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Tennessee football 2022 DL preview: Offsetting three key losses a concern

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner during football practice on Thursday, April 22, 2021.Kns Ut Practice
Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner during football practice on Thursday, April 22, 2021.Kns Ut Practice /
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Bring Rodney Garner back to Rocky Top last year was a big deal, and despite the switch back to a 4-3, Tennessee football was able to produce an NFL Draft pick on the defensive line for the first time since Kahlil McKenzie was taken in 2018, and he converted to an offensive lineman in the pros. However, that also means they have a lot to replace.

UT lost multiple key contributors on the defensive line from last year. Despite the defensive issues in general, this wasn’t that big of a weakness, and it provided a lot of depth. As a result, when injuries hit, they were able to offset many of them. The rush defense was solid for a reason.

This year, though, things are different. Rocky Top has lots of talent back and also lots of young talent, but as of now, they’re a bit thinner in terms of sure bets. Our preview for Tennessee football’s defensive line will break down all that talent. As usual, we’ll look at returners, newcomers and major questions, but we start with who has left.

Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) celebrates from the sidelines during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) celebrates from the sidelines during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Who’s gone?

Matthew Butler

Arguably the Vols’ most productive all-around player last year, Matthew Butler had eight and a half tackles for a loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and 47 total tackles, 19 of which were solo. He was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, and as UT’s anchor up front, he’ll be hard to replace.

Ja’Quain Blakely

It was a mini-breakout year for Ja’Quain Blakely his final season of eligibility, as he had five tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, three pass deflections and 29 tackles, nine of which were solo. As a hybrid defensive tackle who could play anywhere on the line, he’ll be tough to replace.

Caleb Tremblay

Getting Caleb Tremblay to transfer from the USC Trojans was huge, and he alternated with Blakely in the same role. Tremblay had four and a half tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks and 18 tackles, six of which were solo, in his final year of eligibility, so he will also be tough to replace.

Aubrey Solomon

Initially a transfer from the Michigan Wolverines, Aubrey Solomon was a huge contributor in 2019 but saw his production decrease each year and battled injuries last year, registering just eight tackles, four of which were solo. He had another year of eligibility but is no longer on the roster.

Luke Stum

A walk-on defensive lineman for Tennessee football, Luke Stum didn’t play last year. He has since entered the transfer portal.

Jaxon Adams

Just like Stum, Adams was a walk-on who didn’t play. He’s no longer listed on the roster.

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