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Tennessee Football: The Vols’ defense is a bit more impressive than people think.

By Colby Howell

Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo (1) talk with Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) after a near sack during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo (1) talk with Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) after a near sack during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers players celebrate after a record breaking sack by defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers players celebrate after a record breaking sack by defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

FRESHMAN

The up and coming newbies expected to see the field (or at least, support) are Mykelle McDaniel, Joey Cave, Brandon Benedict and Deandre Johnson.

Of these 4, Deandre holds the strongest opportunity to see the field. A three-star defensive end on Rivals, he was an early enrollee. However, speculation keeps things up in the air as far as his actual starting status. Injuries to other starting lineman gave him great reps in the Spring, and he impressed Bob Shoop with his play, according to Ryan Callahan of GoVols247.

This was the perfect opportunity to step up and realize the impact he can make, and he gave the others a run for their money. The 6’4″ 235-pound lineman from Miami could definitely see significant action on the weakside at end this year, especially with three defensive ends leaving.

Butch Jones says he will “be counting on him” when the season arrives.

McDaniel, Cave, and Benedict are all redshirt freshmen. While Cave and Benedict are walk-ons, McDaniel was a three-star defensive end on Rivals for the 2016 class. So he has a real chance to play too.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for signees Eric Crosby and Matthew Butler. They’re expected to be nothing short of powerhouses in future seasons.

Crosby was a three-star defensive tackle out of Virginia Beach, Va. for the 2017 Tennessee football recruiting class, and Butler was a three-star defensive end out of Garner, N.C. for the 2017 class.

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