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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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Trinity Christian’s Shedeur Sanders (2) tries to elude Catholic’s Trevor Duncan (40) during a football game between Trinity Christian and Knoxville Catholic in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020.RANK 2 Kns Preps Catholic Tcch 0829
Trinity Christian’s Shedeur Sanders (2) tries to elude Catholic’s Trevor Duncan (40) during a football game between Trinity Christian and Knoxville Catholic in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020.RANK 2 Kns Preps Catholic Tcch 0829 /

Commitments at DL for 2023

Trevor Duncan

  • Four-star (Rivals); Three-star (247Sports, On3, ESPN)
  • 6’5″-6’6″; 265-280 lbs
  • Knoxville, Tenn.; Knoxville Catholic High School

A local kid, Trevor Duncan appears to be one of the hybrid defensive ends mentioned in the opening slide. He could push for a pure defensive tackle in the way LaTrell Bumphus is or Matthew Butler was, but with Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely gone, Tennessee football may need him more in the other role.

The good news for Josh Heupel is that Rodney Garner clearly knows how to use such players most effectively, and Duncan’s abilities give him the versatility for the coaches to decide. It shouldn’t be too hard for him to put on weight if they need him in the middle, and he can stay in this frame if they need the versatility.

Nathan Robinson

  • Three-star
  • 6’5″; 250-270 lbs
  • Greenbrier, Tenn.; Greenbrier High School

Unlike Duncan, Nathan Robinson appears to be locked in as a hybrid defensive end during his size. If Duncan plays that role as well, then the Vols’ two commitments on the defensive line right now are in-state kids who play that role. However, as mentioned, it’s a crucial position.

Robinson and Duncan were back-to-back April commitments, part of a major recruiting haul Heupel secured in March and April. They should definitely help provide depth up front, and given the style of play they bring, both could be early contributors as well.

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