Sep 13, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Alex Ross (28) runs away from Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Corey Vereen (50) during the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Corey Vereen — Defensive End
Junior
Corey Vereen, another player from Butch Jones’ first recruiting class at Tennessee, officially started 11 of Tennessee’s 13 games in 2014, but that stat could be a bit misleading.
Vereen may have received the starts, but it was Curt Maggitt (led the Vols in sacks) and Derek Barnett (set UT freshman record for sacks) who received the majority of reps at both defensive end positions.
And that’s unlikely to change in 2015.
Barnett and Maggitt, barring injury, will once again be the go-to defensive ends in 2015.
But Vereen should still see plenty of playing time — at least to start the season.
If Vereen can make an impact, then he’ll remain in the defensive end rotation. But he’ll have to play at a high level to keep his spot in the rotation, because highly touted true freshman Kyle Phillips will be looking to make a Derek Barnett like impact in 2015.
Vereen’s situation is a lot Dontavius Blair’s. If he doesn’t make an impact in 2015, he might not have much of an opportunity to make one as a senior.