Tennessee football: Ranking five new JuCo transfers for 2021

Running back Tiyon Evans (8) points on the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0413
Running back Tiyon Evans (8) points on the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0413
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Tennessee football
KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 29: A general view of Neyland Stadium during the South Carolina Gamecocks game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Georgia Military College (Milledgeville, Ga.)

It’s easy to understand why, given his profile, Byron Young committed to play for Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. At 6’3″ 243 pounds, Young is a true edge rusher meant to take advantage of his versatility and ability to play up on the line or at outside linebacker.

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As a result, when he arrived for Tennessee football’s spring practice, he had to adjust to playing in Tim Banks’ nickel-heavy 4-3 base defense. Well, the graduate of Carvers Bay High School in South Carolina managed to thrive in that new scheme as well. His proven production in spring practice was enough for us to put him high up on this list.

Outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler would name Young specifically when talking about player development throughout the spring. Cade Mays was quoted in an article by Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News Sentinel naming Young the toughest player to block. He apparently turned heads during the first spring practice, according to Patrick Brown of GoVols247.

Given all those facts, it looks like Young, despite going to a position with solid talent, is in great shape to play early. He’ll be a junior, and that experience could help him. The transfers of Kivon Bennet and Deandre Johnson only give him a greater chance to play.