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Evaluating Tennessee football’s 2023 class at dead period: DL

By Caleb Calhoun

Greenbrier's Nathan Robinson grabs a hold of the Jersey of Cheatham County QB Cooper Owen on Friday, October 9, 2020.Cheat Gbrier Fb7 Dpc 6375
Greenbrier's Nathan Robinson grabs a hold of the Jersey of Cheatham County QB Cooper Owen on Friday, October 9, 2020.Cheat Gbrier Fb7 Dpc 6375 /
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For the most part, Tennessee football switching back to a 4-3 defense under Josh Heupel and Tim Banks after three years in a multi-set 3-4 under Jeremy Pruitt didn’t change the number of defensive linemen the Vols need. However, with hybrid linemen who play end sometimes replacing edge rushers, one specific type of player was needed more.

The Vols needed that more than ever with Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely both running out of eligibility from this past year. Matthew Butler also running out of eligibility and being selected in the NFL Draft made their need for defensive linemen even greater. That’s still true.

Heupel did add three guys on the recruiting trail, and he also brought in a transfer, but it’s clear he needs more for the future. Where does Tennessee football stand on that front right now for 2023? Looking at the current roster along with commitments and targets, this is an evaluation of the defensive line for the Vols’ next recruiting class as it stands right now.

Here’s a look at defensive line for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football Volunteers in their 2023 recruiting class.

Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end LaTrell Bumphus (88) during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end LaTrell Bumphus (88) during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

DL on roster who will be out of eligibility 2023

LaTrell Bumphus

Last year, LaTrell Bumphus battled injuries and only played four games, allowing him to take a redshirt. He is set to likely fill the exact void left by Butler this year. More importantly, Bumphus will finally be doing it with some experience at the position after moving around throughout his career on Rocky Top.

Initially a weakside defensive end committed to Butch Jones, Bumphus moved over to tight end under Pruitt before moving back to a down lineman at defensive end in Pruitt’s scheme. Then he moved to the middle under Heupel and Banks. His proven production as a down lineman when fully healthy in 2019 is why he will be a huge loss.

Honestly, Bumphus’ trajectory is similar to Butler’s, at least on the defensive side of the ball, which is why it’s crucial for Heupel to have success on the recruiting trail with him leaving. Tennessee football had him to replace Butler, but they need somebody to replace him.

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