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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 Silas Walker/Getty Images
Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images /

Outside linebacker

1. Deandre Johnson; Senior

Regardless of whether or not Tennessee football uses its nickel or its 3-4 package, Deandre Johnson will be on the field. He’ll be the weakside end on the line in the nickel, as he has plenty of experience there. Johnson is in line to replace Darrell Taylor as that specific edge rusher.

Given his size at 6’3″ 246 pounds, it makes sense for Johnson to be that guy. As a senior from Miami, Johnson is coming off a season in which he appeared in every game and had four and a half tackles for a loss and two and a half sacks off the bench. He’s destined to shine this year.

2. Kivon Bennett; Redshirt junior

In the 3-4, Kivon Bennett will clearly start. He’ll likely be the linebacker starting in the nickel, but he may have to split time with the No. 2 inside linebacker in that role. Still, Bennett is a full-time linebacker at 6’2″ 235 pounds, and that’s fine.

Another South Florida product, this time from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Bennett was the main started opposite Taylor last year, and he had an incredible six tackles for a loss. As a result, he’s an elite playmaker at outside linebacker, and with more chances this year, he could become a superstar.

3. Roman Harrison; Sophomore

Similar to defensive end, outside linebacker goes three-deep, as there is sometimes a second backup if Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley use a 3-4 but not always. In this case, Roman Harrison will be the third guy. At 6’2″ 233 pounds, Harrison had eight tackles and two sacks last year as the No. 4 outside rusher. As a result, he’s a rising star, and he could steal a starting spot this year.

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