Utah State @ Tennessee: 5 Things To Watch
By Zach Ragan
Sep 14, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jordan Williams (54) reaches to block a pass from Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line Play
Just like with the offensive line, the Volunteers will be replacing their entire starting defensive line.
But this might not necessarily be a bad thing.
The Vols’ defensive line in 2013 was less than stellar. Outside of Corey Miller’s 4.5 sacks against Kentucky, there weren’t a lot of positives.
This year the Vols will be much more athletic, with true freshman Derek Barnett and sophomore Corey Vereen starting at defensive end.
Vereen and Barnett will also receive some help from linebacker Curt Maggitt, who will “play with his hand in the ground” some this season.
The biggest concern surrounding the defensive line will be the defensive tackle positions.
Senior Jordan Williams will slide over from defensive end to play tackle. Redshirt sophomore Danny O’Brien will be the other starting tackle. They will be helped by newcomer Owen Williams.
The Vols will be a bit smaller at the position (obviously, since Daniel McCullers is no longer in town), which could cause some issues with their run defense.
Overall I think you should expect to see some improved play, especially on the edges, from the defensive line. But that doesn’t mean the Vols will be absent of growing pains.