Tennessee football: Five surprises from Vols’ first depth chart of 2022

2. LaTrell Bumphus and Tyre West at defensive end

When Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely graduated, the question was what Tennessee football would do at that defensive line spot. It usually involves lining up opposite the edge rusher but being able to play defensive tackle. Dominic Bailey, ETSU Bucs transfer Austin Lewis and newcomer Jayson Jenkins all had that profile.

However, the move that made sense was to start two edge rushers, as the Vols have two elite ones in Byron Young and Tyler Baron along with a solid third option in Roman Harrison. That’s exactly what they are doing, with Young and Baron starting on opposite sides.

What’s shocking, though, is who is backing up Baron. Young’s backups are Harrison and newcomers James Pearce and Joshua Josephs, three edge rushers. Baron’s, though, are Bailey, LaTrell Bumphus and Tyre West. Again, only Bailey would fit the profile that was at the position last year with Tremblay and Blakely.

Bumphus seemed like the favorite to fill the void left by Matthew Butler at defensive tackle as a starter, so him being on that side as a backup is shocking. West as a backup isn’t shocking, but given the push he made in spring ball, it’s surprising to see him in this spot too. Even if Baron is the starter, it seems as if the Vols clearly want size there.