Tennessee football 2018 preview by position: Vols DL
Projected backups
Greg Emerson; Freshman; 6’3″ 305 lbs; Jackson, Tenn.
A four-star true freshman, Greg Emerson was an early enrollee. So he got a head start in Tennessee football’s new system, and he’s at the size where he could line up inside or outside. However, coming off a season-ending injury in high school, he still needs to get in prime football shape. That and experience are the only reasons, though, he’s not in the rotation. He’s the top guy on the bench.
Matthew Butler; Sophomore; 6’4″ 276 lbs; Raleigh, N.C.
Matthew Butler saw experience in eight games last year for the Vols. A true defensive end, he’ll be a valuable body for depth on the bench. But he’s not going to be a regular in the rotation there because of his lack of versatility. Still, he has a bright future and a chance to become an eventual impact player. So being a depth guy this year is a good situation.
Kivon Bennett; Sophomore; 6’2″ 266 lbs; Hollywood, Fla.
Like Matthew Butler, Kivon Bennett saw action at defensive end as a freshman last year as a reserve. Playing in four games, at least Bennett is familiar with playing college football. So he’ll be a valuable reserve guy this year similar to Butler. But, once again, he’s not likely to make a major impact outside of being a body. The greater need at end is why we have those two up here among our backups.
Paul Bain; Senior; 6’2″ 292 lbs; Powder Springs, Ga.
Paul Bain is technically a walk-on, but he’s proven himself to be valuable reserve at times. Bain blocked a field goal last year against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. So he could be a specialist on kicking plays of all kinds, and he provides just enough depth in the middle.
Kingston Harris; Freshman; 6’3″ 316 lbs; Orlando, Fla.
Moving onto newcomers, Kingston Harris is the one true defensive tackle on this bench. He put on serious weight when arriving on Rocky Top, which is a good thing for the Vols. His future is bright, but he’ll likely see limited action this year.
Kurrott Garland; Freshman; 6’3″ 275 lbs; Conyers, Ga.
There are too many backup defensive ends for Kurrott Garland to have an impact this year. He’s a guy Jeremy Pruitt specifically wanted. But he’ll likely want to take a redshirt and become an impact player for Tennessee football down the road.
John Mincey; Freshman; 6’3″ 264 lbs; Homerville, Ga.
John Mincey, like Kurrott Garland, is a Jeremy Pruitt and not a Butch Jones commitment. But the principle is the same, as they both are playing a position deep when it comes to the bench. As a result, Mincey will also be a guy for depth but likely will take a redshirt this year.
Other defensive linemen on the roster
Maurese Smith; r-Freshman; 6’2″ 305 lbs; Toney, Ala.
Gatkek Kueth; r-Freshman; 6’2″ 234 lbs; Gallatin, Tenn.
Airin Spell; Freshman; 6’1″ 287 lbs; Paducah, Ky.