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Tennessee football’s top 10 returning underclassmen in 2022 spring practice

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrates the touchdown of running back Jabari Small (2) against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrates the touchdown of running back Jabari Small (2) against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elijah Simmons participates in a drill during Tennessee Vol spring football practice, Thursday, April 1, 2021.Volfootball0401 0703
Elijah Simmons participates in a drill during Tennessee Vol spring football practice, Thursday, April 1, 2021.Volfootball0401 0703 /

With so many rotational players back, Tennessee football will be relying on lots of seniors this year. That’s good news for the Vols and Josh Heupel in his second season on Rocky Top, but it also raises questions as to how much of an impact underclassmen can have, particularly returning ones when he’s got lots of guys in the transfer portal.

Well, there are 14 players who are back as underclassmen and saw action in at least 100 snaps last year. Plenty of others come with lots of potential too. Which ones have the most hype during spring practice in 2022? In this post, that’s what we’ll try to break down.

Players on this list have to have been on the team last year, and they can’t be listed as seniors. Even seniors who will still be eligible in 2023 won’t make this list. They also have to be taking part in spring ball. Taking those factors into account, these are Tennessee football’s top 10 underclassmen for March and April.

Scouting Report. Defensive lineman. Elijah Simmons. 10. Pick Analysis. Redshirt junior. player. 839

6’2″ 340 pounds

Last year, Elijah Simmons emerged as a solid nose tackle in Rodney Garner’s rotation up front. The switch from the 3-4 run by Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley to the nickel-heavy 4-3 run by Tim Banks didn’t limit his chances to see action. He was banged up at times but still had 11 tackles and one and a half tackles for a loss.

Now, the graduate of Pearl-Cohn High School in Nashville, Tenn., who is initially from Memphis, Tenn., has a chance to take an even bigger step. He lost 10 pounds, and he’s also fully healthy. When you consider all the attrition at defensive tackle, he’s got an even greater chance.

From Shelby County to Davidson County to Knox County, Simmons was initially recruited to be a cog in the middle up front. However, he’s adjusting to be able to fit Tennessee football’s new system, and given the promise he showed last year, he’s got a great shot to burst onto the scene this year for the Vols.

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