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It's not even training camp and the hype is growing for forgotten Tennessee EDGE

The EDGE is going to be a monster for Tim Banks and Josh Heupel this fall.
ByBraulio Perez|
Tennessee v Ohio State - Playoff First Round
Tennessee v Ohio State - Playoff First Round | Robin Alam/ISI Photos/GettyImages

With how hectic the offseason has been for the Tennessee football team, it's easy to forget that there are so many superstar playmakers oozing with potential ready to ball out this fall and winter. Gone are the days of focusing on Nico Iamaleava and how things went down.

Instead, the full focus should be on Joey Aguilar, Jermod McCoy, Mike Matthews and others. One player in particular who some casual fans may have forgotten about is EDGE Joshua Josephs, who is coming off a strong 2024 for the Vols.

Last year, a lot of attention, and rightfully so we might add, went to James Pearce Jr. Pearce ended up being a first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons. Could Josephs follow in his footsteps if he puts together an unreal 2025? Don't be shocked if that happens, as the hype is already growing for him:

Tennessee EDGE Joshua Joseph is ready for a breakout season for Josh Heupel

Last season for Tennessee, his third in Knoxville, the veteran playmaker recorded 39 total tackles, three pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Now that Pearce is getting ready for Year 1 in the NFL, Josephs will be fired up to lead the pass-rushing efforts.

He's got a ton of experience and now that he's going to be 'the guy' off the edge for the Vols and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Josephs will be hopeful that he can live up to the hype. From our chair, he's going to have no problem doing so.

In this new era of the transfer portal, Josephs has remained rock solid with the Vols and he has decided that Knoxville is the best place for him. When he originally signed with the SEC powerhouse, he did so as a 4-star playmaker and the No. 20 EDGE in the country.

The standout wants to take his game to the next level and he's going to have a golden opportunity to do so in '25. Tennessee's defense is stocked with talent and Josephs' name should be called early and often this campaign. Could he end up being one of the top pass-rushers in the country? We can't wait to find out.

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