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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from 2021 spring practice roster

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the checkered endzone at Neyland Stadium during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the checkered endzone at Neyland Stadium during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee linebacker Roman Harrison (30) is seen during a University of Tennessee Vols football practice on UTÕs campus Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.Volspractice1022 0127
Tennessee linebacker Roman Harrison (30) is seen during a University of Tennessee Vols football practice on UTÕs campus Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.Volspractice1022 0127 /

4. Edge rushers still listed as linebackers

Given the switch from Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley to Tim Banks, Tennessee football appeared as if certain players would be listed at different positions. The Vols are going from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base defense with a primary focus on a 4-2-5. The biggest change on that front would be many edge rushers listed as outside linebackers now being defensive ends.

Well, the roster didn’t show that on Thursday. All of those edge rushers who could play up on the line were still listed linebackers. Most notably, Tyler Baron, Morven Joseph and Roman Harrison had that title. To be fair, Joseph could have stayed outside linebacker even if the changes took place, as he was a bit smaller, but Baron and Joseph staying there stands out.

This also applied to Byron Young, a three-star edge rusher who committed to the program and was an early enrollee. He was listed as a linebacker as well, meaning he’s another early enrollee freshman similar to Christian Charles whose specific position was revealed Thursday.

Whether or not this will stay the case remains a mystery. However, Banks’ scheme involves more speed on the line with the edge rushers, as the traditional 4-3 does. The roster, at this point, doesn’t suggest that’s what’s happening.

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