All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee Football DT Danny O’Brien Reinstated; Will Play vs. Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

facebooktwitterreddit

Tennessee football defensive tackle Danny O’Brien has been reinstated after a two game suspension and will play when the Volunteers face the Florida Gators.

In his weekly Monday press conference, Butch Jones delivered great news for all Vol football fans when he said that defensive tackle Danny O’Brien is back after serving a two-game suspension.

He returned to practice on Monday.

More from Vols Football

O’Brien was sorely missed in the loss to the Oklahoma Sooners two weeks ago when the Vols defense got tired toward the end of the game.

He brings veteran leadership and a lot of talent at the defensive tackle position, so he is going to be a crucial part at stopping the run and facilitating a pass rush for the Vols this weekend.

However, despite his return, nothing is guaranteed. Jones said he would have to earn back everything, from his starting job all the way down to just being on the travel roster for Saturday’s game.

Here is what Jones said in the press conference:

"“All I can say is he’s back, he’s reinstated. He understands the perimeters and guidelines. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent this great football program, state and university. He understands that.”"

If he does get his spot back, O’Brien’s return increases the Vols rotation in the middle to a five-man rotation now with him, Owen Williams, Kendall Vickers, Shy Tuttle, and Kahlil McKenzie.

All of that should help on Saturday against a brilliant offensive mind like Jim McElwain’s, particularly if Florida switches up its quarterbacks.

Without Curt Maggitt, the line needs as much help in the middle as possible, even with Corey Vereen and Derek Barnett playing well.

So O’Brien is going to be a very welcome return, and it is hard to see him not winning his starting job back before the Vols travel to Gainesville for Saturday’s game.

Next: Tennessee-Florida: Five Vols to Watch for vs. Gators

More from All for Tennessee

Home/Vols Football