Tennessee football: Ranking biggest loss among 2021 signees who left

2. Dylan Brooks

Edge rusher; Roanoke, Ala.

One of the first commitments to get Tennessee football’s recruiting class rolling last summer when it eventually reached the top two, Dylan Brooks was the perfect type of player for Jeremy Pruitt’s system. He could play strongside defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4.

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A four-star across the board, Brooks would have become a superstar edge rusher pretty early into his career on Rocky Top. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in the range of 225 to 255 pounds, Brooks is an elite talent. Moving from Pruitt and Derrick Ansley to Tim Banks would not have been a problem for him. He could still play up on the line or at linebacker.

Although the Vols have some talent coming back among their edge rushers in Tyler Baron, Roman Harrison and Morven Joseph, they could use more depth, and they need lots more help there for the future. That’s what Brooks would have provided. After all, lots of that talent is unproven. However, Brooks was another player released from his letter of intent in February.

Since then, Brooks has committed to the Auburn Tigers, a devastating blow for Rocky Top. UT lost Kivon Bennett and Deandre Johnson this offseason. More help is needed at these positions. Without Brooks, Heupel will have to look elsewhere for the future.