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Tennessee football recruiting: Ranking position groups of Vols 2019 class with grades

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: A general view of Neyland Stadium during the South Carolina Gamecocks game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: A general view of Neyland Stadium during the South Carolina Gamecocks game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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6. Defensive Linemen/Edge Rushers

Recruiting grade: B-

Unlike quarterback, Tennessee football secured commitments from four defensive linemen, including three defensive tackles. However, also unlike at quarterback, the Vols had a much bigger need at the position as well.

Despite a ton of returning talent from last year’s team, Jeremy Pruitt loses everybody at his most productive unit: defensive line. Kyle Phillips, Alexis Johnson and Shy Tuttle were all huge playmakers for the team this year.

Even worse, they couldn’t get a rest because the backups were not up to par. So with them all leaving, Pruitt had a ton of work to do to shore up the defensive line. He did as best as he could, but it should’ve been better.

The Vols got three defensive tackles to commit. Two were junior college transfers in four-star Savion Williams and three-star Darel Middleton. Their only four-year commitment was three-star Elijah Simmons. That shows you how desperate Pruitt was for immediate help here.

It’s even worse when you consider the fact that LeDarrius Cox, a three-star tackle, flipped his commitment on National Signing Day to the Ole Miss Rebels. Simply put, the Vols need help at defensive tackle and fast.

The good news for them is that four-star defensive end Roman Harrison committed, and he brings enough versatility at 6’2″ 245 pounds that Pruitt can line him up at outside linebacker or defensive end. It’ll just depend on the need. With four commitments and two four-stars overall, this unit gets high marks because of its numbers. But with the needs at the position, it falls to a B-.

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