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.
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