Tennessee football: Ranking, grading position groups in Vols' 2022 class

Tennessee football: Ranking position groups in Vols’ 2022 recruiting class with grades

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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6. Defensive line: C

Arguably no need was greater than defensive line for Tennessee football. The Vols lost Matthew Butler, Ja’Quain Blakely and Caleb Tremblay. They could lose Aubrey Solomon and LaTrell Bumphus, although those two have a year of eligibility left. For now, let’s assume those two will come back given the potential for playing time this year.

That assumption is the only thing keeping this grade average. The Vols added three defensive lineman, and all of them can help offset what they lost. Jayson Jenkins is a three-star who can play in the middle or on the end, a perfect replacement for Tremblay. Jordan Phillips could probably be more productive than Blakely in a couple of years.

However, both of those guys are three-stars across the board. The guy carrying this unit is Tyre West. A four-star defensive tackle across the board, he comes in with immediate expectations. He’s one of the three highest-rated overall recruits in this class.

With West, Tennessee football can better offset the loss of Butler. Also, he is enough to keep this grade at average for right now. If you want to split the baby and halfway take into account the Bumphus and Solomon questions, West’s signing still makes this a C- grade.

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