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Ranking Tennessee football’s early enrollees for 2022 by potential impact

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive lineman Tyre West participates in a drill during Tennessee football spring practice at University of Tennessee, Thursday, March 24, 2022.Volspractice0324 1166
Tennessee defensive lineman Tyre West participates in a drill during Tennessee football spring practice at University of Tennessee, Thursday, March 24, 2022.Volspractice0324 1166 /
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Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Power T on the field before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Power T on the field before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Orlando, Fla.. Jordan Phillips. 7. player. Defensive lineman. 839

6’2″ 295 pounds

Few positions are more wide open in spring practice than defensive line. Tennessee football lost Matthew Butler, Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely at the position. That alone gives Jordan Phillips a good chance to come in and make an impact despite being a three-star across the board out of Florida on the recruiting trail.

It probably helps that Phillips is coming out of Orange County, where Josh Heupel spent three years as head coach of the UCF Knights. Heupel probably already has a connection to the graduate of Ocoee High School, and defensive line coach Rodney Garner’s experience recruiting that state in general likely strengthens the connection.

Now, to be fair, a couple of things are working against Phillips. Given his size, he’s more locked into the defensive tackle role in the middle and not one of the hybrid spots, which were left open by Blakely and Tremblay. Also, despite the turnover, there’s a lot of talent here.

LaTrell Bumphus decided to come back, Elijah Simmons and Omari Thomas are returning contributors, Kurrott Garland has experience, and Da’Jon Terry is still on the roster. As a result, Phillips doesn’t seem likely to start this year, but there’s plenty of room for him to work his way into the rotation.

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