2. Not enough names popped out on the defensive line.
We already mentioned the offensive line being ahead of the defensive line in spring ball. It was different in the spring game itself, as the defensive line stepped up and dominated. That’s the good news for Tennessee football on this front.
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More good news is the fact that the defensive line found one new standout player in Matthew Butler, a guy who could likely play defensive end and replace Kyle Phillips. Emmit Gooden figures to be one of the tackles in place of the departed Alexis Johnson and Shy Tuttle.
With two new junior college guys and another four-star freshman arriving in the summer, that gives Jeremy Pruitt some options and at least two of the three starters he needs. But what about depth? Where can he find more talent?
This is where the real issue comes into play. Despite Butler standing out and Gooden’s experience, the Vols needed more people to be able to step up in the spring so they could have options. Nobody really got called out.
With Ja’Quain Blakely, LaTrell Bumphus, John Mincey, Kingston Harris, Kurrott Garland and Greg Emerson all bringing in expectations, it’s disappointing that none of them stood out. Aubrey Solomon, the Michigan Wolverines transfer, did stand out, but he may not be able to play this year.
Simply put, the Vols do not have enough bodies at this moment to be able to make the impact they need up front. Last year, as good as Phillips, Johnson and Tuttle were, lack of depth caused major issues. They can’t have that this year, but not finding more names does create a problem.