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Tennessee football’s top 10 impact players for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /
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Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) celebrates after a play during a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football
Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) celebrates after a play during a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football /

player. 839. Pick Analysis. Edge rusher. Junior. Tyler Baron. 9. Scouting Report

6’5″ 260 pounds

It’s easy to forget that last year, Tyler Baron was one of Tennessee football’s biggest stars early. That was always expected, as he showed major flashes his freshman season and was in line to become a breakout star. However, the Vols only ran one edge rusher last year, and the emergence of Byron Young lessened Baron’s role.

Then, in the offseason, Baron entered the transfer portal but came right back. He and Roman Harrison are two other edge rushers expected to be part of the rotation. This year, though, with the departures of Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely, there’s room for two edge rushers to start, as one can lock up the defensive end spot.

That allows for Baron to return to the lineup and use his talents. Make no mistake, despite what Young can do, Baron is elite. Last year, he registered seven tackles for a loss and four sacks to go along with a pass deflection and 30 tackles, eight of which were solo.

Switching from a 3-4 to Tim Banks’ nickel-heavy 4-3 didn’t hurt Baron at all. As a result, he should take another huge leap this year, and with more action, he’ll have a huge impact. Tennessee football’s secondary starts with the pass rush, and the Vols can use two at a time now to make an impact there. Baron makes for a second elite threat.

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