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Tennessee football: Top 10 SEC stars Vols have to account for in 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) after their win during the SEC championship game after the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) after their win during the SEC championship game after the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive lineman. Georgia Bulldogs. Jalen Carter. player. 814. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 7

6’3″ 300 pounds

Sticking with defensive players on the two premiere teams in the SEC, Jalen Carter is destined to explode this year. Him doing that will be at Tennessee football’s expense as it will be the rest of the SEC, and the Vols will have trouble establishing the run game necessary for Josh Heupel’s offense to go against UGA because of him.

Last year, Carter was a rotational player but not a full-time starter. He still somehow managed to rack up an incredible eight and a half tackles for a loss with three sacks along with a pass deflection and 85 tackles, 17 of which were solo. Being a bit undersized didn’t stop him from wreaking havoc on offenses.

With more time to himself now, it’s scary to think about hat he can do. Jordan Davis and  Devonte Wyatt limited the level of impact he could have on the game last year, but both have gone on to the NFL. As a result, Carter doesn’t just have an opportunity. He has pressure.

Kirby Smart and the Dawgs desperately need Carter to step up if they are going to maintain their success coming off this past year’s national championship. Carter’s potential is a big reason for that. Again, he was relatively quiet against Tennessee football. It’s not likely that happens two years in a row.

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