Tennessee’s defensive line showed incredible improvement in 2014, mostly due to the strong play of Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt.
But there’s always room for more improvement — and that’s exactly what should happen in 2015.
Shy Tuttle, a four-star defensive tackle from Lexington, NC (North Davidson), is one of ten early enrollees that are being welcomed to Rocky Top this week.
Tuttle is already a more natural fit at defensive tackle than Tennessee’s top two options in 2014 — Jordan Williams and Danny O’Brien.
At 313 lbs, Tuttle is nearly 30 lbs heavier than both Williams (who is done at Tennessee) and O’Brien.
However, the true freshman said on Wednesday that he hopes to play lighter at Tennessee.
TUTTLE: I weigh 313 right now, I want to get to 305
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) January 14, 2015
Even at 305 lbs, Tuttle would still have 20 lbs on the Vols’ starting interior defensive linemen from a year ago. Of course that’s the size you’re hoping for in a defensive tackle.
I’m not sure I would expect Tuttle to have the impact that Derek Barnett had as a true freshman (that’s pretty rare), but I do think the North Carolina native will make a difference in 2015.
The Vols’ run defense is going to be better in 2015 and Shy Tuttle is one of the main reasons why.