Dillon Bates, 6-3, 231 - This young man arrived to much fanfare, but an injury as a freshman threw him off track and getting back on track has been difficult. After starting his freshman season with six tackles in four games, he didn't register any stats as a redshirt freshman despite playing in all 13 games on special teams. Things went a bit better as a redshirt sophomore with 3 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries, and last season saw him record six tackles in ten games. A new staff means a new start, and Bates will work to take advantage of the opportunity. At worst, Bates is an excellent special teams performer and quality reserve.
Daniel Bituli, 6-3, 242 - Perhaps no returning starter from last season on defense is expected to take as big an additional step forward as Bituli, who became a reliable player on an unreliable defense last year. He started eight games and played in all twelve, stacking up 90 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, a forced fumble, and an interception that he returned 97 yards for a touchdown. He was a solid all-around linebacker last season, but he's still got room to grow. He showed an excellent ability to attack in high school and that didn't entirely materialize last year, but some of that has to do with
Will Ignont, 6-1, 234 - Ignont joined the Vols, bringing with him plenty of excitement around the athletic linebacker, and the consensus top 20 inside linebacker played in six games with five tackles as a true freshman last year. Now he's one of the top candidates to compete for a #2 job at inside linebacker. As he continues to put on more weight and add strength, Ignont should see his role steadily grow. A quick and active linebacker who made a number of plays behind the line in high school, Ignont looks like a good fit for the new 3-4 and he's a solid candidate to be the #2 Mike linebacker.
Darrin Kirkland Jr., 6-1, 240 - When healthy, Kirkland has been very good. Unfortunately, healthy hasn't been happening for the better part of the past two seasons. Through his first two seasons with the Vols, Kirkland had 111 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 passes defended, a fumble recovery, and an interception despite missing five games as a sophomore. He missed the entirety of his junior campaign, and now the redshirt junior will look to get back on track in a new defensive scheme. Kirkland will compete for either the Will or Mike spot, but he's likely not guaranteed a job at either spot with the emergence of Bituli and soon to be discussed Quart'e Sapp. Still, don't bet against this talented, athletic, and experienced defender.
Solon Page III, 6-2, 220 - Page arrived in Knoxville too skinny to contribute right away and redshirted last season, but to say he was productive in high school is a bit of an understatement. In three seasons, he put up 359 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. He was an outside linebacker in high school, he's too small for the role in the new defensive scheme, but he could be a perfect fit for the Will linebacker role on the inside in the 3-4. Long, athletic, and active, Page certainly has the skill set to make an impact before his time in Knoxville is done, but this season he's likely to find himself in a reserve role.
Shanon Reid, 6-0, 224 - Reid is very, very athletic. Like, 4.4 forty athletic. While not the biggest linebacker on the roster by any means, he might be easily the quickest of the bunch. Although he only had one tackle in seven games last season, his high school numbers show nice productivity. In three seasons, he had 253 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Safety speed in a linebacker body is a rare combo, so it may just be a matter of time until he makes a bigger impact with the Vols.
Quart'e Sapp, 6-2, 230 - Sapp had teased fans with his ability and athleticism his first two seasons in Knoxville, looking like a potential star in spring and fall camp, but never really being able to stay healthy enough to show out during the season, registering just four tackles through six game in his first two seasons on campus. Then last year, as a redshirt sophomore, it finally started coming together. He finished the season with 8 starts while playing in all twelve games with 78 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 passes defended. That may just be a tease of what he can do if his high school stats over two seasons tell the real story, as he had 239 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his final two high school seasons. Sapp has been steadily growing and building on his frame, and now he'll have a chance to compete for one of the two starting inside linebacker jobs. He might very well be someone to bet on rather than bet against.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Position Breakdown: Outside Linebacker
Jordan Allen, 6-4, 240 - A high school receiver and defensive back who then enrolled and redshirted with UC Davis before spending a year at City College of San Francisco where he played defensive end. Now he's at Tennessee where he will be playing the Jack position, a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end role, or the Sam, a strongside linebacker that is also asked to support in pass rushing when in a 3-4 front. In his first season as a defensive end, he had 27 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, solidifying himself as one of the top JUCO players in the 2018 cycle. His first spring on campus didn't necessarily see him stake his claim on a starting job, but he did seem to at least find a spot in the rotation, although the competition for playing time might be growing a bit. Allen doesn't need to be a starter in the first of his three seasons on campus given the transition he's made in a couple short years.
Deandre Johnson, 6-4, 272 - So, I did include Johnson at defensive end, but considering one spot is a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker and Johnson spent the spring at that Jack position it only makes sense to include him in this article as well. Bear in mind that the 272 prediction for his weight is based on the idea that they would use him as a 3-4 end, but if they use him in this stand-up role, I think they may work to keep him in the 255-260 range. He is an athletic defensive lineman who may well be able to transition outside linebacker, but some of how he'll be used again falls to who plays nose guard, who plays defensive end, and what the needs are at outside linebacker, so all of this is a bit of projection, hence guys who show up more than once. Johnson seemed to perform alright at Jack this spring so it's certainly not outside of the realm of possibility that he'll stick in this role.
Jonathan Kongbo, 6-6, 277 - Kongbo arrived in Knoxville as the #1 overall JUCO player in the class of 2016, and the expectations were correspondingly high, so his production through two seasons has overall been a disappointment for fans. Has he been a bad player? No, but when you come in with that level of expectation being a passable starter just isn't really enough to live up to the hype. Now, I talked about him at defensive end, but now outside linebacker has also been put on the table for him and there could be some upside at giving him a chance to rush the passer with a bit more space and out of a two point stance. Again, keeping him slimmed down might be part of the challenge to move him to such a role, but this is at least worth keeping an eye on as the staff looks to maximize the potential and production of each player on the roster.
JJ Peterson, 6-3, 235 - Peterson can play any of the four linebacker spots, but his clearest path to a potential starting job might be at an outside linebacker spot. First, he needs to get on campus, but he's eyeballing enrolling in July and of the players who might not have made it in for the first summer session, Peterson was probably the one the staff might feel most comfortable with it due to his physical development already. Peterson is a very active linebacker who attacks well but can also drop back into coverage when the situation calls for it. He is fast enough that he returned kickoffs in high school, even returning one for a touchdown as a junior, taking it 98 yards to the house. He also played a bit of receiver as well, then on defense he had 210 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, 2 passes defended, 3 fumble recoveries, and a couple of forced fumbles in three years, so he can play just a bit. His biggest challenge at this point is going to be making the jump from high school to the SEC. Other than that, he looks the part of an immediate impact player.
Austin Smith, 6-3, 241 - The promise he showed as a freshman hasn't yet materialized again since that time due to injuries, but when he's healthy Smith has the size, skill set, and knowledge from his high school years operating within a 3-4 defense. He is the ideal fit for outside linebacker in the new scheme, but his health is his biggest challenge to be overcome. If he can put his injuries behind him, there's a great opportunity for him. Ultimately, he fits the mold, but he's going to stand as an unknown commodity for now and likely is at best a rotational piece for the coming season.
Darrell Taylor, 6-4, 256 - Along with Kongbo, Taylor was one of the Vols starting defensive ends for much of last season, but now he has moved to linebacker, a position he played in high school in spots in addition to his primary work at defensive end. Also a high school wide receiver, he has athleticism to spare, and just for good measure he also played basketball, so endurance isn't much of a concern either. His biggest thing upon arriving on campus was the need for a redshirt year to add weight. He hasn't made a huge mark yet, but he had a solid redshirt sophomore campaign last year. This might be the ideal defensive scheme for Taylor, who can make use of his athleticism better from a two point stance.
Ryan Thaxton, 6-4, 245 - Another former two sport high school guy, Thaxton also played football and basketball. He's not the blazing fast but he's certainly athletic enough to play in this scheme, and he might be a bit more of a natural to play in a two point stance as he is inclined to play with his pad level too high at times. He's been noted as an intelligent player and should adapt well, even though he probably isn't going to be one of the top two options at any of the linebacker spots this season, but that has more to do with his continued physical development as he came in on the skinny side out of high school. He showed good recognition skills and the ability to go out and make plays in the open field in high school, so even if he's never a starter in Knoxville, he looks like a contributor on defense perhaps as early as 2019.
Deandre Johnson, 6-4, 272 - So, I did include Johnson at defensive end, but considering one spot is a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker and Johnson spent the spring at that Jack position it only makes sense to include him in this article as well. Bear in mind that the 272 prediction for his weight is based on the idea that they would use him as a 3-4 end, but if they use him in this stand-up role, I think they may work to keep him in the 255-260 range. He is an athletic defensive lineman who may well be able to transition outside linebacker, but some of how he'll be used again falls to who plays nose guard, who plays defensive end, and what the needs are at outside linebacker, so all of this is a bit of projection, hence guys who show up more than once. Johnson seemed to perform alright at Jack this spring so it's certainly not outside of the realm of possibility that he'll stick in this role.
Jonathan Kongbo, 6-6, 277 - Kongbo arrived in Knoxville as the #1 overall JUCO player in the class of 2016, and the expectations were correspondingly high, so his production through two seasons has overall been a disappointment for fans. Has he been a bad player? No, but when you come in with that level of expectation being a passable starter just isn't really enough to live up to the hype. Now, I talked about him at defensive end, but now outside linebacker has also been put on the table for him and there could be some upside at giving him a chance to rush the passer with a bit more space and out of a two point stance. Again, keeping him slimmed down might be part of the challenge to move him to such a role, but this is at least worth keeping an eye on as the staff looks to maximize the potential and production of each player on the roster.
JJ Peterson, 6-3, 235 - Peterson can play any of the four linebacker spots, but his clearest path to a potential starting job might be at an outside linebacker spot. First, he needs to get on campus, but he's eyeballing enrolling in July and of the players who might not have made it in for the first summer session, Peterson was probably the one the staff might feel most comfortable with it due to his physical development already. Peterson is a very active linebacker who attacks well but can also drop back into coverage when the situation calls for it. He is fast enough that he returned kickoffs in high school, even returning one for a touchdown as a junior, taking it 98 yards to the house. He also played a bit of receiver as well, then on defense he had 210 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, 2 passes defended, 3 fumble recoveries, and a couple of forced fumbles in three years, so he can play just a bit. His biggest challenge at this point is going to be making the jump from high school to the SEC. Other than that, he looks the part of an immediate impact player.
Austin Smith, 6-3, 241 - The promise he showed as a freshman hasn't yet materialized again since that time due to injuries, but when he's healthy Smith has the size, skill set, and knowledge from his high school years operating within a 3-4 defense. He is the ideal fit for outside linebacker in the new scheme, but his health is his biggest challenge to be overcome. If he can put his injuries behind him, there's a great opportunity for him. Ultimately, he fits the mold, but he's going to stand as an unknown commodity for now and likely is at best a rotational piece for the coming season.
Darrell Taylor, 6-4, 256 - Along with Kongbo, Taylor was one of the Vols starting defensive ends for much of last season, but now he has moved to linebacker, a position he played in high school in spots in addition to his primary work at defensive end. Also a high school wide receiver, he has athleticism to spare, and just for good measure he also played basketball, so endurance isn't much of a concern either. His biggest thing upon arriving on campus was the need for a redshirt year to add weight. He hasn't made a huge mark yet, but he had a solid redshirt sophomore campaign last year. This might be the ideal defensive scheme for Taylor, who can make use of his athleticism better from a two point stance.
Ryan Thaxton, 6-4, 245 - Another former two sport high school guy, Thaxton also played football and basketball. He's not the blazing fast but he's certainly athletic enough to play in this scheme, and he might be a bit more of a natural to play in a two point stance as he is inclined to play with his pad level too high at times. He's been noted as an intelligent player and should adapt well, even though he probably isn't going to be one of the top two options at any of the linebacker spots this season, but that has more to do with his continued physical development as he came in on the skinny side out of high school. He showed good recognition skills and the ability to go out and make plays in the open field in high school, so even if he's never a starter in Knoxville, he looks like a contributor on defense perhaps as early as 2019.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Position Breakdown: Defensive End
So, a quick note before I begin: I think there is a serious possibility that players like Greg Emerson, Kingston Harris, and Brant Lawless could also wind up playing at end. Of these, obviously Emerson would have to be moved back to defense once fall camp arrives and I think Harris's upside is highest at nose guard, but I could easily see Lawless playing at end this season given he was a disruptive player at the high school level and that is a positive trait for the end/tackle hybrid position in the 3-4. Since I talked about all three of these players in the nose guard article, I won't do it again here. What I will mention is the fact that Jonathan Kongbo has suggested he could get a look at outside linebacker, presumably in the Jack position. While I do think he could at least be looked at there, I'm not yet sure that this is the most likely way for him to be used this season yet, so I'll treat him as a defensive end until further notice.
Kivon Bennett, 6-1, 280 - Bennett is a stocky defensive lineman with solid quickness and decent strength. That is at least one thing that helped him get on the field in four games last season, registering one tackle. He was going to be a difficult fit in a 4-3 defense, but he looks like a solid 3-4 defensive end option. In high school, he had 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks in 22 games over his last two seasons. Although he's not likely to be a starter this season, he could certainly find a role in the rotation and perhaps should be expected to do so.
Matthew Butler, 6-4, 290 - Butler quickly saw the field for the Vols as a true freshman, playing in eight games last season for four tackles and a half tackle for loss. Butler finding a role early in his career wasn't a huge surprise considering he had 231 tackles, 102 tackles for loss, and 46 sacks in three seasons during his high school years. Butler got a brief look at offensive tackle this spring, but that didn't stick and Butler is back at end. Now with the possibility emerging of Kongbo playing Jack, Butler could possibly be in line for a chance to start if he manages to seize the opportunity.
Kurott Garland, 6-3, 265 - Garland was a late find by the staff, but he's an excellent one, it would seem. In his final two seasons of high school ball, all Garland did was record 251 tackles, 65 tackles for loss, and 24.5 sacks along with another 31 quarterback hurries. At first blush, it's tempting to want to think he could end up at linebacker, but Garland is like Butler in that he's a high motor player rather than an especially athletic guy. In fact, Garland is similar to Butler in that regard, and a particular former Vol defensive end used a high motor playing style to take the sack record at Tennessee and become a first round pick. You might have heard of him: Derek Barnett. I'm not saying either player will do what he did, but I always recommend betting on players who give everything they've got and leave it all on the field. Garland has said he doesn't intend to redshirt, and I won't bet against him.
Deandre Johnson, 6-4, 272 - Johnson was getting a lot of work at outside linebacker this spring, but ultimately the need at end may prompt a move back to end. Johnson did have to put on a lot of weight in the spring last season in order to get up to a weight that would allow him to contribute, but he did so successfully and managed to record 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack in six games played. Long and athletic, he could potentially remain at linebacker, but if Kongbo moves it will probably be necessary to move Johnson back on the line, where I think he can be a productive player.
Jonathan Kongbo, 6-6, 277 - From a grade standpoint, Kongbo is one of the top ten returning players for the Vols, but that comes with a pretty big caveat. He was one of the highest graded players on passing downs, but he was fairly abysmal against the run. If his teased move to linebacker is happening, it's likely due to his struggles in holding up against the run from the end position. In his 11 games played last season, Kongbo recorded 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. For anyone worrying about his athleticism, he recorded a 59 yard interception return for a touchdown from the defensive tackle position in 2016. Regardless of whether he plays end or outside linebacker, he seems likely to be a starter.
John Mincey, 6-4, 268 - Perhaps the freshman most likely to contribute week one, Mincey has stated that he played last season around 272 pounds before dropping weight during his basketball season, so getting up to weight and maintaining it seems very possible for the freshman from South Carolina. He plays long and strong, something that at times was lacking last season. He knows how to punch, extend, and use his hands. His basketball background means he has solid athleticism, and he should maintain much of that even with additional weight. As for his motor? Yeah, you guessed it: he plays hard all the time. I would keep an eye on this young man because he might be special.
Kyle Phillips, 6-4, 270 - A former five star, his first two seasons were largely marred by injuries and inconsistency. Last season, things were better, but he still hasn't exactly reached his full potential. This new scheme represents an opportunity to put it all together in a difference scheme and with an improved staff. Phillips has recorded 58 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in his career, numbers that would be pretty good for a single season but don't exactly move the needle much when talking about three seasons. However, he has 4 career passes defended and is coming off a 35 tackle, 4.5 tackle for loss, and 2 sack season, his best by far at Tennessee. If he can build on that and embrace the new system and coaching he might be one of the Vols best defenders.
Kivon Bennett, 6-1, 280 - Bennett is a stocky defensive lineman with solid quickness and decent strength. That is at least one thing that helped him get on the field in four games last season, registering one tackle. He was going to be a difficult fit in a 4-3 defense, but he looks like a solid 3-4 defensive end option. In high school, he had 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks in 22 games over his last two seasons. Although he's not likely to be a starter this season, he could certainly find a role in the rotation and perhaps should be expected to do so.
Matthew Butler, 6-4, 290 - Butler quickly saw the field for the Vols as a true freshman, playing in eight games last season for four tackles and a half tackle for loss. Butler finding a role early in his career wasn't a huge surprise considering he had 231 tackles, 102 tackles for loss, and 46 sacks in three seasons during his high school years. Butler got a brief look at offensive tackle this spring, but that didn't stick and Butler is back at end. Now with the possibility emerging of Kongbo playing Jack, Butler could possibly be in line for a chance to start if he manages to seize the opportunity.
Kurott Garland, 6-3, 265 - Garland was a late find by the staff, but he's an excellent one, it would seem. In his final two seasons of high school ball, all Garland did was record 251 tackles, 65 tackles for loss, and 24.5 sacks along with another 31 quarterback hurries. At first blush, it's tempting to want to think he could end up at linebacker, but Garland is like Butler in that he's a high motor player rather than an especially athletic guy. In fact, Garland is similar to Butler in that regard, and a particular former Vol defensive end used a high motor playing style to take the sack record at Tennessee and become a first round pick. You might have heard of him: Derek Barnett. I'm not saying either player will do what he did, but I always recommend betting on players who give everything they've got and leave it all on the field. Garland has said he doesn't intend to redshirt, and I won't bet against him.
Deandre Johnson, 6-4, 272 - Johnson was getting a lot of work at outside linebacker this spring, but ultimately the need at end may prompt a move back to end. Johnson did have to put on a lot of weight in the spring last season in order to get up to a weight that would allow him to contribute, but he did so successfully and managed to record 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack in six games played. Long and athletic, he could potentially remain at linebacker, but if Kongbo moves it will probably be necessary to move Johnson back on the line, where I think he can be a productive player.
Jonathan Kongbo, 6-6, 277 - From a grade standpoint, Kongbo is one of the top ten returning players for the Vols, but that comes with a pretty big caveat. He was one of the highest graded players on passing downs, but he was fairly abysmal against the run. If his teased move to linebacker is happening, it's likely due to his struggles in holding up against the run from the end position. In his 11 games played last season, Kongbo recorded 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. For anyone worrying about his athleticism, he recorded a 59 yard interception return for a touchdown from the defensive tackle position in 2016. Regardless of whether he plays end or outside linebacker, he seems likely to be a starter.
John Mincey, 6-4, 268 - Perhaps the freshman most likely to contribute week one, Mincey has stated that he played last season around 272 pounds before dropping weight during his basketball season, so getting up to weight and maintaining it seems very possible for the freshman from South Carolina. He plays long and strong, something that at times was lacking last season. He knows how to punch, extend, and use his hands. His basketball background means he has solid athleticism, and he should maintain much of that even with additional weight. As for his motor? Yeah, you guessed it: he plays hard all the time. I would keep an eye on this young man because he might be special.
Kyle Phillips, 6-4, 270 - A former five star, his first two seasons were largely marred by injuries and inconsistency. Last season, things were better, but he still hasn't exactly reached his full potential. This new scheme represents an opportunity to put it all together in a difference scheme and with an improved staff. Phillips has recorded 58 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in his career, numbers that would be pretty good for a single season but don't exactly move the needle much when talking about three seasons. However, he has 4 career passes defended and is coming off a 35 tackle, 4.5 tackle for loss, and 2 sack season, his best by far at Tennessee. If he can build on that and embrace the new system and coaching he might be one of the Vols best defenders.
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