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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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Apr 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Brady Hoke watches from the sideline before the game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Brady Hoke watches from the sideline before the game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

SENIOR, FINAL THOUGHTS, and BRADY HOKE:

There’s only one senior to be on the defensive line for Tennessee: defensive tackle Kendal Vickers.

He’s made 25+ starts during his career at Tennessee, is a remarkable talent and a crucial element to Bob Shoop’s defense.

One of the biggest over-achievers for Tennessee football, the guy is about to enter his fifth year in the program as a redshirt senior, and the 6’3″ 295-pound veteran has a ton of experience.

Vickers brings the experience to the line and can help make for a lethal combination inside if Kahlil McKenzie, Shy Tuttle, Alexis Johnson, and Quay Picou all reach their potential.

Add in Darrell Taylor, Jonathan Kongbo, Kyle Phillips, and potentially Deandre Johnson on the outside, and the Vols could have a very deep defensive line this year despite losing Derek Barnett, Corey Vereen, and LaTroy Lewis.

Bob Shoop has a lot to work with. Honestly, it’s a lot more than fans think. New strength coach, Rock Gullickson, has been working rigorously with the football team in the offseason. That should help the guys stay healthier than they did last year.

There’s a new energy in the weight room. There’s more tenacity on the field.

They are beginning to look like an organized football team. Last year’s off-season certainly looked a bit sloppy and its result was demonstrated throughout the season. Tennessee football came up short of an SEC East title when they were a clear front runner.

The addition of Brady Hoke as Defensive Line coach is another big help.

One could argue his success as a head coach at Michigan doesn’t quite prove his worth. He’s an excellent recruiter who comes in with a stacked resume. I mean, he recruited Tom Brady. The guy knows talent when he sees it.

With Hoke’s long history in college football, Gullickson’s discipline and Shoop’s supervision, Tennessee football is sure to bring some defensive monsters to fruition.

And the talent on the field is in place as well.

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