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Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2021

By Caleb Calhoun

Players huddle at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0021
Players huddle at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0021 /
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Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs while defended by Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) during a game between Tennessee and Texas A&M in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs while defended by Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) during a game between Tennessee and Texas A&M in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. /

Edge rusher

1. Tyler Baron

With Tim Banks’ switch back to a 4-3 that is heavy on the nickel, this edge rusher position will likely be back up on the line as the weakside defensive end. Guys like Kivon Bennett and Deandre Johnson transferring elsewhere, albeit Bennett doing it after being dismissed, leaves the role wide open as well. Tyler Baron, who has been a rising star, is the favorite to take that role.

The 6’5″ 260-pound sophomore will be in a rotation with Matthew Butler and LaTrell Bumphus, but when he’s in, he’ll be there specifically to rack up stats and make big plays. Last year, Baron had 21 tackles, 13 of which were solo, to go along with three tackles for a loss and a sack. Expect him to be even more explosive this year, and he’ll be the face of this role.

2. Byron Young

Although Baron is the favorite to shine here, Byron Young is looking like a surprise contributor. The 6’3″ 243-pound junior joined the Vols in the spring as a junior college transfer and immediately began to stand out with his play, drawing the attention of Mike Ekeler and Josh Heupel specifically at different times while also standing out to those who covered practice.

As a result, Young will likely be the other edge rusher in this rotation. If Banks ever does want to run a 3-4, 4-4 or even 4-3 set with no nickel, Young could find himself in the game. He’ll definitely be a rotational player.

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