Tennessee football: Top 15 dark-horse Vols for 2022
Scouting Report. r-Freeshman. Amari McNeill. 13. 839. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman. player
6’4″ 285 pounds
Another player who switched positions upon committing to Tennessee football, Amari McNeill was an offensive lineman when he signed with the Vols in 2021. However, Josh Heupel moved him over to defensive lineman. He then spent last year learning the system and only played one game, against the South Alabama Jaguars.
McNeill didn’t record any stats on the year, which is natural since he had to switch positions. It’s likely he still has some developing to do this year. However, there are quite a few openings on the defensive line given the departures, and McNeill honestly has the frame to fill a few of them.
There’s obviously the departure of lead defensive tackle Matthew Butler. If McNeill put on five more pounds, he’d be the same weight Butler was. However, if he trims down five pounds, he’s in line to fill the void of hybrid defensive tackle, roles left by Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely, who both graduated this past year.
Having multiple chances to fill voids definitely makes McNeill a dark-horse Vol. He’s not likely to win any starting role given how many options Rodney Garner has at the position, but an injury in that hybrid spot could thrust him into a rotational role, so watch out.