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Tennessee football: 10 Vols who need a good spring practice in 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive back Desmond Williams is seen during Tennessee football spring practice at University of Tennessee, Thursday, March 24, 2022.Volspractice0324 1484
Tennessee defensive back Desmond Williams is seen during Tennessee football spring practice at University of Tennessee, Thursday, March 24, 2022.Volspractice0324 1484 /
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Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) runs on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) runs on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /

Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman. Scouting Report. Redshirt sophomore. Dominic Bailey. 8. player. 839

6’3″ 270 pounds

Sure, he’s only a sophomore, but this is a huge year for Dominic Bailey. Tennessee football has everybody to compete for the true defensive tackle spots in the spring. However, the departures of Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely leave the race for the hybrid defensive end in Tim Banks’ system up for grabs.

Given his size, Bailey would obviously fill that void. He’s the only player who will compete for that position and is on campus for spring ball. Jayson Jenkins, James Pearce and Joshua Josephs are all signees who could compete for that role, but none of them will arrive until the spring.

As a result, the graduate of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore has to prove himself now. Bailey was a four-star out of Salisbury, Md., in 2020. The Maryland kid from Wicomico County saw action in just one game each of the past two years, but now is his chance to make a huge impact.

While the true defensive tackle position battle begins in the spring, the hybrid battle won’t begin until the fall. Since he will have to compete with three other newcomers who will all get first looks, Bailey has to stand out now. Otherwise, even though he’s just a sophomore, he’ll be behind multiple guys younger than him for years to come.

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