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Tennessee football 2018 preview by position: Vols DL

By Caleb Calhoun

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Running back Larry Rountree III #33 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball as defensive back Nigel Warrior #18 and defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers defend during the game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Running back Larry Rountree III #33 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball as defensive back Nigel Warrior #18 and defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers defend during the game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

Projected starters

Shy Tuttle (DT); Senior; 6’3″ 300 lbs; Midway, N.C.

Shy Tuttle was part of the same class that Kahlil McKenzie was. He actually showed more promise his first two years with Tennessee football, but both times he suffered a season-ending injury. This past spring was his first full offseason to work out since his freshman year. And as the only proven guy in the middle, he figures to step in and immediately fill the need at nose tackle.

This is Tuttle’s year to emerge onto the scene. The Vols need him now more than ever, and if he isn’t able to play the role Jeremy Pruitt and Kevin Sherrer need him to play, Rocky Top is in serious trouble on defense this year. Tuttle has the crucial role of drawing in multiple blockers and getting a good push. McKenzie was a better fit for this, but Tuttle does have heart and talent.

Kyle Phillips (DE); Senior; 6’4″ 273 lbs; Nashville, Tenn.

Like Shy Tuttle, Kyle Phillips was a member of the 2015 recruiting class. Like Tuttle, he saw significant action and showed brilliant flashes in 2015 and 2016. Finally, like Tuttle, he suffered season-ending injuries both times. So this was his first full offseason to work with the team as well, and it was needed with the new system.

The transitions of Darrell Taylor and Jonathan Kongbo to linebacker leave Phillips as the only proven defensive end left. He’s going to have a crucial role in making plays, and it’s going to be up to him to finally live up to his five-star billing. While Tuttle is going to be the only consistent guy on the inside, the same will hold true for Phillips on the outside. So this is his time to shine.

Alexis Johnson; Senior; 6’3″ 314 lbs; Atlanta, Ga.

Given the multiple scheme Pruitt runs, we have two other guys listed as starters, as they could be tackles or big ends, depending on how many linemen are used on a play. Alexis Johnson never got into proper football shape because of a legal issue in 2016 and then an injury. Once a four-star junior college transfer, though, Johnson is now a senior and should be able to be a major impact player for Tennessee football this year. He’ll be the main guy lining up in the 3-4 with Phillips and Tuttle, and if there’s a 4-3 situation he’ll line up at tackle.

Emmit Gooden; Junior; 6’3″ 306 lbs; Brownsville, Tenn.

Jeremy Pruitt didn’t go the junior college route for nothing. Emmit Gooden is a four-star transfer, and he should figure to see the field a lot for the Vols this year. In a 4-3 set, he has enough experience to line up as the other end, as we know the coaches really want size there. Meanwhile, he can spell Johnson at times as well in the 3-4 set. So Gooden will be the final starter on this list, and this rounds out a good bit of talent up front.

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