Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout seasons in 2022
5. 839. Scouting Report. Dominic Bailey. r-Sophomore. player. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman
6’3″ 270 pounds
Yes, another defensive lineman makes this list. Look, Tennessee football lost three rotational defensive linemen last year, and they return another from injury. As a result, this will obviously be a spot where they need a lot of help. Dominic Bailey is flying under the radar more than most, and given his limited production, it makes sense.
In two years with the Vols, the former four-star recruit has just one assisted tackle. This year, though, the door should be swung open for him. We mentioned the way Rodney Garner’s rotation works. Part of that includes defensive ends who are hybrids and can play in the middle.
Last year, Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely were rotational players playing that role. Both are now gone. Bailey is the only returning player on the roster who has a similar profile to either of them, and that should be more than enough for him to become a major breakout player.
Sure, there is some competition in this role with transfer Austin Lewis along with newcomer Jayson Jenkins. It’s likely two of those three are in the rotation for this role, but there’s no reason for Bailey not to be part of that given his experience. As a result, this should finally be the year he emerges for Tennessee football.