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Tennessee football: Top 10 games in 2021 by Vols returning for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands thee ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 12
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands thee ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 12 /
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Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Byron Young (6) defends against Kentucky tight end Justin Rigg (83) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football
Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Byron Young (6) defends against Kentucky tight end Justin Rigg (83) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football /

Edge rusher. Kentucky. Byron Young. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5. 839

2 sacks, 4 tackles (3 solo)

There are multiple Byron Young games that could have made the list. He had two tackles for a loss and a pass deflection against the Ole Miss Rebels, a sack and three hurries against Alabama and even an interception along with eight tackles, two of which were solo, against Purdue.

Beyond Young, other Tennessee football linemen and edge rushers also could’ve made this list. Tyler Baron stood out early against Pitt with four tackles, two of which were solo, and two and a half tackles for a loss. Meanwhile, Kurrott Garland had two tackles for a loss, a sack, a safety and three tackles, one of which was solo, against South Alabama.

However, in terms of impressive play, quality of opponent and meaning of the stats, none stood out more than what Young did at the Kentucky Wildcats. He didn’t just finish with two sacks and four tackles, three of which were solo. The plays he made came at crucial times.

Trailing 38-35, Kentucky had the ball at the UT 44-yard line 1st and 10. Young got a crucial sack to make it 2nd and 21. Then, he killed the drive, getting his second sack on a 4th and 7. UK’s final drive saw Young come through again, as he forced two incomplete passes to cause a turnover on downs. This was elite play at the right moment, which is why it makes this list.

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