Tennessee football’s five 2022 signees most likely to play early
Scouting Report. player. 1. 839. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman. Tifton, Ga.. Tyre West
Tift County High School
Related Story. Ranking position groups in Vols' 2022 class with grades. light
We started this post off talking about the needs at defensive line. Ja’Quain Blakely and Caleb Tremblay aren’t the only departures. Matthew Butler, one of Tennessee football’s best players this past year and a true defensive tackle, is gone as well. Meanwhile, Aubrey Solomon and LaTrell Bumphus have a year left of eligibility each, but they could be gone.
As a result, the Vols took a huge hit up front. Omari Thomas, Da’Jon Terry and Elijah Simmons are the only payers returning with any experience. Although we’re closing out with a fourth straight Georgia prospect and a fourth straight early enrollee, Tyre West could compete with all of them.
West joins Addison Nichols and Tayven Jackson as the only three four-star commitments across the board for UT this year. Given Hendon Hooker, it’s pretty obvious why Jackson, as a quarterback, couldn’t make this list. However, defensive line is wide open.
Standing between 6’3″ and 6’4″ while weighing 280 pounds, West is in the perfect position to be what the coaches need him to be as well. If Jayson Jenkins doesn’t work out, he could be their hybrid defensive lineman. However, if he does, then Rodney Garner can move West into the middle to be a pure defensive lineman.
Next. Vols' 2022 recruiting class by the numbers. dark
Simply put, West has the same advantage Jenkins has, even if he is more of a true tackle, and he could fit anywhere up front. As a result, he’s definitely Tennessee football’s most likely signee to play early, and don’t be surprised if he’s starting the first week.