Tennessee football: 10 safest starting spots on 2020 roster

Defensive line

We initially didn’t have any defensive linemen on here with the return of Emmit Gooden. However, Gooden’s dismissal leaves the unit exactly as it was last year, and Aubrey Solomon started nine games up front for Tennessee football. As a result, he’s the one lineman who is certain to have a starting position heading into the year, even if we don’t know where it is.

With Darel Middleton’s off-the-field issues, Greg Emerson losing some playing time to Kurrott Garland down the stretch of last year and a by-committee group of defensive ends, Jeremy Pruitt has a deep rotation here. However, it also means that none of these guys are certain to become starters in the system, as there are just so many bodies.

At 6’5″ 315 pounds, the product of Lee County High School in Georgia is a different case. Solomon was barely football ready when he started last year, as he transferred from the Michigan Wolverines and didn’t receive his eligibility waiver from the NCAA until the week of the opener.

Last year, Solomon spent time lining up at defensive end and defensive tackle. He’s the one guy who can play all three spots up front, and that’s what will guarantee him having a starting job entering the year. That he put on over 15 pounds in the offseason only helps his case, provided he was able to maintain his agility in the process.