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Tennessee football’s five options to replace Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Ja'Quain Blakely (48) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Ja'Quain Blakely (48) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Scouting Report. 6'3 270 lbs. Dominic Bailey. 839. Pick Analysis. Redshirt sophomore. 1. player

After two years on the roster, Dominic Bailey should be ready to live up to the hype that came with his commitment to Tennessee football in 2020.

Related Story. Vols' top five options to replace JaVonta Payton. light

Of everybody on this list, Dominic Bailey was by far Tennessee football’s most highly touted recruit coming out of high school. He also is the only guy with multiple years of experience playing in this role despite not seeing a lot of minutes yet. That combination is why he tops this list.

Bailey was a four-star across all services in 2020 when he committed to the Vols. His range at the time was 265 to 290 pounds even though he was listed as a defensive tackle across the board. That the coaches have him closer to the 265-pound range suggests the role of Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely is what they want him to play.

Now, the experience is not what it should be, as he played just one game in 2020 and then two games in 2021. Last year, he did assist on a tackle and came away with a pass deflection. Still, he has played in multiple systems, he has experience playing with the Vols, and he worked in Tim Banks’ system in this role last year.

Next. Projecting Vols' two-deep depth chart for 2022. dark

Taking all of this into account, this should be the year in which Bailey finally emerges. Everything is laid out for him to be a major playmaker for Tennessee football, and his potential is greater than even Tremblay’s or Blakely’s was last year. As a result, he’s the best positioned to fill the void left by them entering this season.

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