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

Biggest questions

1. Can LaTrell Bumphus, Kurott Garland or Tyre West replace Matthew Butler?

It really comes down to those three guys when you talk about offsetting Matthew Butler. LaTrell Bumphus seems like the favorite in his final year of eligibility for Tennessee football, but Kurott Garland brings the experience, and Tyre West brings the potential. One of them being able to step in and fill that void is crucial for the Vols.

2. Who fills the void left by Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely?

Dominic Bailey, Austin Lewis and Jayson Jenkins all have the frame to play that hybrid defensive lineman role. Bailey was a highly touted recruit who has some experience and the potential. Lewis has all the experience. Jenkins is a freshman, but he could step in. There’s also the question  as to whether or not one or two guys will fill the void.

3. What will be the priority in the rotation in terms of size this year?

Building off that next question the profile of UT defensive linemen is a bit different this year. The Vols have a bit more girth up front, and if Omari Thomas is the main guy, well, he had about 30 pounds on Butler last year. Does this mean Rodney Garner will switch up the rotation? Is it about getting the best players out there? That’s worth following.

Final take

Of the few concerns surrounding the Vols this year, defensive line is one of the bigger ones. It’s hard to replace a Matthew Butler and then two other contributors up front. However, with Garner developing the talent and a solid recruiting class, they should be able to do it.

Since Banks still uses edge rushers, Tennessee football still mainly uses three linemen, and they go two-deep or better everywhere. Bumphus should fill Butler’s void with Garland and West backing him up. Bailey and Lewis should be the new Tremblay and Blakely. Thomas, Da’Jon Terry and Elijah Simmons should all resume their roles, so they should be good.