All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout seasons in 2018

By Caleb Calhoun

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Ty Chandler #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Ty Chandler #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
NCAA 14
Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images /

Lining up right next to Alexis Johnson is another one of the guys Nathanael Rutherford listed among the three best defensive linemen in practice so far. Shy Tuttle is a pretty big name on Rocky Top, and he’s one of the guys you have a hard time calling a breakout star.

After all, Tuttle played each of the last three years. However, he suffered season-ending injuries each of his first two years. Last year was his first season mostly healthy, and he still only played 10 games while starting four.

Heading into his senior season with a new coaching staff, this is the year he can finally burst onto the scene for Tennessee football. With Kahlil McKenzie gone, the 6’3″ 300-pound tackle figures to always line up in the middle. He’ll be a defensive tackle in the 4-3 and the nose guard when they line up in the 3-4.

Going into this year, Tuttle has participated in all offseason programs dating back to winter workouts for the first time since his freshman year on Rocky Top. That’s a huge deal, and it gives him a great chance to emerge as an elite talent.

Even while battling injuries the past three years, Tuttle has been very productive. So with a full year of health and offseason workouts, his potential is limitless. Pay attention to what he does as a result. As the likely main nose guard for the Vols, Tuttle could burst onto the scene as a superstar. His name recognition is the only reason he isn’t higher on this list.

Home/Vols Football