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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 celebrate after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers 38-24 at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers celebrate after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers 38-24 at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

SOPHOMORES

In this class we only have two players to watch out for but they’re incredibly important, Austin Smith and Darrell Taylor.

It will be interesting to see where Smith ultimately ends up. His current status has him changing between LB and DL. Once a three-star linebacker recruit on Rivals for the 2015 class, he didn’t see any playing time in 2016. But in 2015, he saw action in all 13 games, including starting one game, and he did rack up three solo tackles.

So he is expected to do big things in 2017.

The hype around Darrell Taylor is nearly impossible to ignore. His success during spring practice puts him in a position to replace Derek Barnett, a replacement the Vols desperately need.

A four-star member of the 2015 class as well, Taylor had nine tackles, one tackle for a loss, a pass broken up, and three quarterback hurries while seeing action in seven games.

He then broke out this spring, even drawing comparisons to Derek Barnett in this article by Patrick Brown of GoVols247.

Additionally his minimal playing time last year endows him with a new perspective working through the off-season. His strength and technique are sure to break through.

At 6’4″ 240 pounds, the Waverly, Va. native has a chance to turn into a star this season. His play could easily help to alleviate the huge losses of Barnett and Corey Vereen.

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