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Projecting Tennessee football’s 2020 depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

Nose guard

1. Greg Emerson; Redshirt sophomore

Amidst all the drama surrounding Tennessee football’s defensive line, there is a ton of experience at nose tackle. Last year, Greg Emerson emerged as an elite playmaker here, appearing in all 13 games and starting nine of them at this position. Emerson finished the season with 30 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two sacks and two pass breakups.

This year, the 6’3″ 300-pound product of Jackson, Tenn. figures to step right back into his role as nose tackle. He has the perfect build for it and actually has a good bit of agility for a guy in such a position. As a result, expect him to once again be the guy who gets the push in the middle and commands all the attention whether or not Derrick Ansley and Jeremy Pruitt use a 3-4 or a nickel.

2. Kurrott Garland; Redshirt sophomore

Despite nearly transferring last year, Kurrott Garland actually emerged as a solid complement to Emerson at nose tackle. He found himself appearing in all 13 games as well, and in the four games Emerson did not start here, Garland actually got the start. As a result, he is the perfect backup and provides a solid amount of production as well.

The 6’3″ 304-pound prospect has a similar profile to Emerson, even if he’s not as agile with his size. Still, he did have 19 tackles and two tackles for a loss, and he emerged late with five tackles in the Vols’ 23-22 comeback win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the Gator Bowl. Garland could push to start here if Emerson is not careful. In general, the Vols have a great youth movement here.

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