Evaluating the Tennessee Vols Recruiting Class at the Dead Period: Defensive End

Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (68) gets ready to block Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in the first quarter of the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

With 12 commitments at the dead period, here is an evaluation of the 2016 Tennessee Vols Recruiting class so far and a look at other prospects they are pursuing. This post examines the defensive end situation.

Once again, we are in a situation where we can thank Butch Jones and his coaching staff for the recruiting they have done over the past couple of years to shore up the defensive ends for Tennessee.

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The defensive end situation right now is headlined by sophomore Derek Barnett, who had an incredible freshman campaign for the Vols. Junior Corey Vereen is also there to complete the first-team. But with Joe Henderson and Dewayne Hendrix, the other two guys from that 2014 class up front in addition to Barnett, gone, Jones had to go right back to recruiting at the position to build depth.

And he did just that. Jones brought in three defensive ends for the 2015 class, led by Rivals five-star Nashville prospect Kyle Phillips. That at least gives the Vols five solid players at the position, and they will be four-deep going into 2017.

But to build necessary depth, Tennessee obviously has to add more talent. They have done that to a point so far, but there is so much more they could do going forward.

As we examine the situation at defensive end during the recruiting dead period and what needs to be done for the 2016 class, let’s first start with who is committed to the program at the position right now.

Next: Defensive End Commitments to Tennessee