2014 Projected Defensive Depth Chart:
The 2013 defensive unit was exposed in two main areas against top-tier competition: lack of quality depth, and lack of overall team speed. Fortunately for the 2014 defensive unit, the depth has been aided by both the arrival of several talented newcomers from he 2014 recruiting class as well as the return of key starters like A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt. The defense should also be faster this season with the arrival of several of the talented freshmen. Coach Jancek was playing with a bad hand in his first season as the Vols DC. While the deck isn't as stacked in his favor as he'd like quite yet, he will have more to work with this year as he continues to implement and build our defense to fit his scheme.
DEFENSIVE LINE: The DL unit will need to have several people step up to atone for the massive loss of starting talent from a year ago. Smith, Miller, Walls, Couch, McCullers, Hood have all graduated, which leaves room for competition heading into spring ball. Saulsberry, Carr, Sawyers, Barnett, Hendrix, Lewis, and Williams all need to elevate their game to provide a strong front four this year.
DE:
- Corey Vereen (Soph.) #50 : Vereen has received a lot of praise for his tremendous work ethic since his arrival on campus a year ago. He showed flashes of his relentless motor and ability to apply pressure off the edge when he got the opportunity as a true freshman in 2013. Vereen needs to add good weight to help him hold the edge and maintain leverage in the running game, while continuing to learn the scheme. Vereen will have a great chance to earn a starting spot this year and be a key contributor for the Vols in 2014. He needs to stay healthy as well this year after suffering a broken hand early in the 2013 season that caused him to miss several weeks.
- LaTroy Lewis (Jr.) #4 : Lewis struggled a year ago to learn the new system and apply it to the field. Hopefully after a full year and offseason, Lewis can improve his knowledge of the playbook and impress the staff enough to earn a spot in the two-deep depth chart after spring ball. Lewis has the size and quickness necessary to succeed, he just needs to dedicate himself and play fast. Lewis also began his career as the "jack" LB in former DC, Sal Sunseri's, 3-4 scheme. He has found a permanent home at DE under coach Jancek and hopefully he can take advantage of the opportunity to contribute this season. Lewis must utilize his better than average athleticism to help him earn playing time and get into offensive backfields.
- Curt Maggitt (RJr.) #56 : Maggitt missed the entire 2013 season recovering from an ACL tear he suffered late in the 2012 season. Formerly a LB, Maggitt practiced last season with the practice squad as a DE. It is not been announced officially yet, but look for Maggitt to help out at DE this season for the Vols as he has the ideal build and can rush the passer off the edge. The lack of depth and experience could force him to see increasing time at DE in 2014. Make no mistake, Maggitt is a leader on this team and will be wherever he is most needed to help us win. Heading into spring ball, that need comes at DE more than LB. Maggitt has made the permanent move to DE for 2014 and looks primed and ready to snag the opposite starting spot across from Vereen. Maggitt has stepped into a leadership role on the defense with AJ and has focused on adding weight to help him at the DE spot this year.
- Dewayne Hendrix (Fr.) #8 : Hendrix is a promising young recruit in the incoming 2014 class. He was highly rated coming out of high school and the coaches are excited and eager to get him on campus as quickly as possible. Hendrix's playing time will depend on how in shape he arrives paired with his ability to pick up the defensive scheme. Hendrix was highly sought after coming out of high school, but Tennessee held on to earn his signature. Hendrix has a knack for generating penetration and disrupting opposing offenses in the backfield. If he shows up in shape and ready to work, Hendrix will see plenty of playing time in 2014 for the Vols. Hendrix arrived on campus and has reportedly tipped the scales around 280 pounds, which could allow him to be moved inside in some situations.
- Derek Barnett (Fr.) #9 : Barnett is another impressive incoming member of the 2014 recruiting class. Barnett is also a Tennessee native, attending Brentwood Academy for high school. Barnett has great size (6'4,280) for a true freshman who is set to arrive sometime in late May/early June. The question is where he will be used along the defensive front. He has the size of an interior defensive lineman paired with the quickness, agility, and speed of a DE. Barnett will see the field if he stays healthy and works hard upon his arrival. He's too big and too athletic not to have on the field especially with the lack of overall depth along the defensive line for the Vols. Tennessee has a need at both positions along the front four on defense in 2014, so look for Derek to get a chance to play both positions as the Vols look to utilize his talents and versatility.
- Joe Henderson (Fr.) #52 : Henderson was set to enroll early as a member of the 2014 recruiting class, but complications will force him to wait until May to arrive on Rocky Top. Henderson is a physical young presence off the edge from his DE spot. He shows great burst and strength, which allow him to get off the line of scrimmage well and push offensive lineman around as well. Although he has good strength and a muscular build, he only weighs 235 pounds, which is undersized for an SEC DE. He needs to add weight to help him maintain the line of scrimmage against SEC offensive lineman and learn the playbook when he gets to campus in May. Henderson has the ability to help out in pass rush situations early for the Volunteer defense in 2014.
- Jakkob Johnson (Fr.) #44 : The German-born early enrollee has quickly established himself as a fan-favorite and workout warrior. Jakkob has only played football for two years, but already displays incredible natural ability that can't be taught. At 6'4,240, he has the body to play right away and could even grow into a DE down the road. Jakkob has unique explosion that allows him to run the ball down all over the field. He will take a little time to develop, but this kid has the right attitude and all the tools to be special once the lights come on. Jakkob has impressed early on as a Vol and has been moved permanently to DE. He's weighing around 255 pounds and still can add more weight to his impressive frame. He will most likely need a year to learn the position, having never played it before, but his raw skills paired with his attitude give hope for his future.
DT:
- Trevarris Saulsberry (Sr.) #96 : Saulsberry showed early signs of improvement during the first two games of the 2013 season. During he game against Oregon, he suffered a torn ACL and missed the remainder of the season. His rehab has gone well and he is on schedule to return for summer camp. He will be limited in the spring as the coaches will be cautious with his progression to avoid any potential set-backs, but Saulsberry will be counted on as the senior of this group to contribute and start when the Vols kick off the 2014 season in August.
- Jordan Williams (Sr.) #54 : Williams has again switched positions now for the third time since he arrived on campus as a true freshman three years ago. He has bulked up to around 290 pounds, which will allow him to make the move inside along the defensive front. Williams showed signs of his potential during the 2012 season, but disappointed in 2013 due to a lack of consistency. Hopefully he can once again impress coaches and become a contributor at a position of need for the Vols during his senior season. He will be utilized in passing situations to help apply pressure up the middle and execute different stunts with his quickness.
- Danny O'Brien (RSoph.) #95 : After two full years on Rocky Top, it's time for O'Brien to take the next step in his progression and become a contributor in the two-deep depth chart. O'Brien was a personal protector on the punt unit last season, but will need to progress enough to help spell the starters in 2014. He uses his wide body well to maintain leverage against the run, but needs to improve his consistency in understanding and executing his responsibilities within the scheme. His strength is against the run, so he could be a factor in short yardage and goaline situations especially. O'Brien has a solid motor and good strength, he just needs to take that next step to help his team at a position of need.
- Dimarya Mixon (Fr.) #52 : Mixon arrived as an under the radar type player in the class of 2014. Due to a lack of depth at the DT spot, Mixon has made the move inside despite being undersized at 6'3,265. Coaches like his work ethic and believe he will continue to develop as he showed great promise in spring camp. He has the frame to add weight and will need to do so to be an every down player along the interior of the defensive line. He is penciled in the two deep at DT exiting spring camp, but will have to add muscle mass and progress to compete against the incoming freshman arriving this summer.
- Michael Sawyers (Fr.) #75 : Sawyers was a late addition for the 2014 recruiting class, but his decision was much needed for the Tennessee depth chart. Sawyers is a massive 6'2,320 and can move well for a kid his size. He's better against the run, but will benefit from the tutelage of DL coach, Steve Stripling. He needs to live in the weight room to be able to compete against SEC caliber competition. He's a smart kid, so the playbook should not prove too difficult to manage once he arrives in June. This was an incredible late addition to the incoming class by Tommy Thigpen.
- Owen Williams (Jr.) #58 : Williams is an early enrollee coming from Juco in the 2014 recruiting class. Williams has a relentless motor to go along with being one of the strongest members of team 118. Williams has a similar build to former Tennessee DT, Mo Couch, but he is stronger than Mo and does not have the distractions Couch faced off the field. Williams is SEC ready build-wise, but he needs to live in the film room and his playbook so he can help provide quality depth on the interior of the defensive front this year.
LINEBACKERS: This unit will be much improved from the one a year ago. The return of A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt give this group experienced and proven playmakers. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Dillon Bates, and Chris Weatherd all will see playing time as well this year. Incoming freshmen MLB, Jakkob Johnson and Gavin Bryant, are both big bodied kids who don't shy away from contact.
OLB:
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) #34 : Jalen is a Tennessee native who shined on special teams as a true freshman in 2013. He blocked the punt that was returned for a touchdown against Georgia and heard his name called often on kickoff and punt coverage teams as well. After a full year in the program, Reeves-Maybin is primed and ready to compete for a starting position in 2014. Listed as an athlete coming out of high school, he displayed natural instincts and good speed for the OLB position. He needs to add solid weight this offseason to help him against SEC caliber offensive linemen and backs. If he can add that weight and stay healthy, Jalen will earn quality snaps for the Vols in the fall.
-Chris Weatherd (Jr.) #12 : Weatherd is set to arrive early this summer from Juco as a member of the 2014 recruiting class. Chris shined during his two years in Juco, earning him scholarship offers from several big name schools. Weatherd saw opportunity to play early at Tennessee and the coaching staff is eager to get him on campus. At 6'4,225, Weatherd has the size and frame to play right away. Coaches want him to add weight this offseason, which could allow him to play DE in passing situations due to his versatility, athleticism, and ability to rush the passer. The only question with Weatherd is how fast he can learn the playbook.
-Dillon Bates (Fr.) #17 : Dillon Bates sent a surge through volnation when he announced he was heading to maintain the Bates' family legacy on Rocky Top. As an incoming freshman (set to arrive this summer), Bates is far ahead of his age in terms of understanding the game of football. His high football IQ blended with his size (6'3,225) and his athleticism have defensive coaches excited about his potential to play early. Bates impressed against top high school competition at the Under Armor All American game in Florida. Bates has all the skills to play early. If he can get stronger, he will be a dynamic playmaker for years to come at LB for the Vols. He also is an asset on special teams as well.
-Elliott Berry (Fr.) #41 : Elliott Berry is another name that volnation will easily recognize. He's the younger brother of former Vol legend, Eric Berry. Elliott has great speed and is bigger than Eric. As an AAU track star in the 200 meters, his speed will help him matchup in coverage well and play the ball in space, which is a huge area of concern for the Tennessee defense. Elliott played all over the field in high school, but will more than likely land as an OLB once his 6'1,205 frame adds weight. He will be an asset immediately on special teams and could help in passing situations as well this year due to his athleticism and speed.
MLB:
- A.J. Johnson (Sr.) #45 : "The Beast" has returned for his senior season, turning down the enticing opportunity of the NFL. A.J. has led the team in tackles each of his first three seasons in Knoxville and will play in the NFL following this season. He wanted to leave a legacy of winning at Tennessee, so he decided to come back and hone his skills for one more year. A.J. is a tackling machine. His size (6'3,240) allows him to take on blocks and get to the ball carrier with attitude. He has improved his quickness, but still gets exposed in space and coverage due to a lack of top-level speed. His instincts are great, which allows him to atone for his lack of speed. A.J. is a leader of this team and appears hungry to change the culture on Rocky Top.
- Gavin Bryant (Fr.) #36 : Bryant is scheduled to arrive on campus early this summer. Bryant is a force coming downhill from his MLB spot. He hits like a freight train and has good speed to go along with his size (6'2,230). He needs to get stronger and learn the playbook, but coaches are excited to work with his raw ability. He could help spell AJ when needed, but will help out on special teams right away. This is the future MLB for the Vols. Bryant needs to add strength to help trim some of the baby fat from his build, but he's drawn praise from his position coach, Thigpen, who's compared him to former Vol legend, Al Wilson. While it's way too early for those comparisons, Bryant will be counted on to provide depth behind AJ at the MLB spot for the Vols in 2014.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: The back end of our defense will be improved from a year ago. Experience and consecutive years in the same scheme should help our secondary play more consistent football in 2014. Randolph, McNeil, Sutton, and Coleman all return this year, but it's the newcomers: Kelly Jr., Gaulden, Berry, Paige, and McDowell that are generating buzz and excitement.
CB:
- Cam Sutton (Soph.) #23 : Sutton fits the mold for what coach Willie Martinez is seeking at the CB spot. He's athletic, long, and aggressive. Sutton bursted onto the scene early as a true freshman in 2013. He established himself as a starter and should only get better with a full year in the UT program. Sutton will be called on to be a leader at the CB and become more of a consistent, lockdown type player this year for the Vols.
- Justin Coleman (Sr.) #27 : Coleman has been a starter for the past two years at Tennessee. He makes great plays, but also still makes plays that leave you scratching your head. He needs to take the next step in his progression and lead this group as a senior. He needs to play more consistently, hopefully two years in the same scheme will help him play faster and not make coverage mistakes. Coleman is an aggressive player and could also spend some time learning the nickel CB spot. Coleman has been moved permanently to the nickel spot because coaches like his ability to help in run support there. It also helps eliminate his weaknesses of getting lost on the outside and lack of height.
- Malik Foreman (Soph.) #22 : Foreman is an east TN native who played mainly on special teams last year as a true freshman. He has been praised this off season for his work ethic and has spent time in off season workouts with the starters opposite Sutton. Foreman is a bigger kid, but lacks top end speed. He needs to learn technique and dedicate himself in the weight room to earn his starting spot this year.
- Riyahd Jones (RJr.) #21 : Jones was contending for a starting job a year ago when he arrived on campus, before a freak leg injury sidelined him for most of the 2013 season. Jones looks the part and has great feet. His size is an asset to matchup against bigger SEC WR. He needs to learn the system, so when spring ball comes around, he can show people what they missed in 2013. Jones will also help on special teams.
- D'Andre Payne (Fr.) #2 : Payne is an early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class who has impressed already during his brief time on campus. Payne has added 15 pounds of solid weight already and should contend for playing time at the nickel CB spot in the spring and fall. Payne's size (5'9) is the only negative on him right now as he shows great burst in short spaces and displays great man to man cover skills as well. Payne struggled in spring ball as most true freshmen would. He shows promise of being a solid future nickel CB, but needs time to adapt to the SEC speed of play.
- Emmanuel Mosley (Fr.) #12 : Mosley might have been the surprise of Team 118 so far. He came into the recruiting class of 2014 as an early enrollee most thought would redshirt due to his thin frame. However, he's added twenty pounds of muscle in his short time on Rocky Top to allow him to compete right away at the CB spot opposite Sutton. His speed is noticeable and helps him compete with even our talented WR. This could be the kid Vol fans look back on two or three years from now as the steal of this impressive class.
- Evan Berry (Fr.) #29: Berry is the twin of Elliott and younger brother of Eric Berry. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, but will most likely start at CB due to a need at the position. He has elite top end speed the Vols desperately need. He also is a smart player which should help him pick up the system quickly when he arrives in the early summer. Berry will compete for playing time if he can learn the system and definitely be a contributor on special teams as well in 2014. Berry will be a solid contributor if not this season, for years to come for the Vols in the secondary.
- RaShaun Gaulden (Fr.) #7 : Gaulden is a long, randy kid who will arrive on campus early in the summer as a member of the 2014 recruiting class out of middle Tennessee. Gaulden is going to play DB for the Vols it's just a matter of where he best fits. He is a ball hawk and can play both the run and the pass very well. He needs work on his man-to-man coverage skills, but he has the size and speed to come in a compete right away. He is a bit thin, so adding weight will be a focal point for Gaulden. He will be a menace on special teams as well.
S:
- Brian Randolph (Sr.) #37 : Randolph returns as the unquestioned leader of this secondary. He's been consistent despite having to learn three different schemes while at UT over his career. He plays smart and fast. He's a little undersized, but makes up for that with his instinctual play. He's been injury plagued throughout his career, suffering ACL and shoulder injuries, so he will need to improve his durability this year. Randolph will start once again for the Vols at FS in 2014 and compete for All-SEC honors if he can stay healthy.
- LaDarrell McNeil (Jr.) #33 : McNeil showed promise in 2012 as a true freshman, but struggled with consistency and was exposed in space in 2013. McNeil needs to get quicker and faster this offseason to help him better defend in space. He also needs to learn the defensive scheme so he can play without thinking and just react. McNeil has the ability, but needs to take steps forward and not back this year or he could be replaced by one of the talented newcomers. McNeil could also be used as a nickel LB in certain passing situations to help with matchups.
- Todd Kelly Jr. (Fr.) #6 : A Knoxville native and key member of the 2014 recruiting class, Kelly will arrive on Rocky Top early this summer. He played in the Army All American game and showed he can compete with the best high school talent across the country. Kelly is not afraid of contact from this safety spot and already has a college build. He needs to impove his coverage skills as the competition will be greater than what he played against in high school. He will push for playing time at the SS spot and help immediately on special teams as well.
- Cortez McDowell (Fr.) #20 : McDowell will also arrive early in the summer. He is a great athlete as he could project at either safety spot or even OLB if he adds weight. He has size (6'1,205) and speed to play right away, but he also will try to play baseball in college, so his focus is not 100% on football. That decision could hinder his development as he has not and will not dedicate his time and effort fully to one sport, but there's no doubting his ability to play. It will be interesting to follow his career as he could progress into a monster down the road for coach Jancek.
4-3 DEFENSE: 2 DEEP
DE- Corey Vereen (Soph.) , Dewayne Hendrix (Fr.)
DT- Trevarris Saulsberry (Sr.) , Jordan Williams (Sr.)
DT- Jason Carr (RFr.) , Danny O'Brien (RSoph.) / Derek Carr (Fr.)
DE- LeTroy Lewis (Jr.) , Curt Maggitt (RJr.) / Joe Henderson (Fr.)
OLB- Curt Maggitt (RJr.) / Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) , Chris Weatherd (Jr.)
MLB- A.J. Johnson (Sr.) , Gavin Bryant (Fr.) / Jakkob Johnson (Fr.)
OLB- Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) / Dillon Bates (Fr.) , Elliott Berry (Fr.)
CB- Cam Sutton (Soph.) , Riyahd Jones (RJr.)
CB- Malik Foreman (Soph.) , Justin Coleman (Sr.) / Evan Berry (Fr.)
FS- Brian Randolph (Sr.) , Rashaun Gaulden (Fr.) / Cortez McDowell (Fr.)
SS- LaDarrell McNeil (Jr.) / Todd Kelly Jr. (Fr.) , Cortez McDowell (Fr.)
Nickel- Justin Coleman (Sr.) , D'Andre Payne (Fr.) / Rashaun Gaulden (Fr.)
DEFENSIVE LINE: The DL unit will need to have several people step up to atone for the massive loss of starting talent from a year ago. Smith, Miller, Walls, Couch, McCullers, Hood have all graduated, which leaves room for competition heading into spring ball. Saulsberry, Carr, Sawyers, Barnett, Hendrix, Lewis, and Williams all need to elevate their game to provide a strong front four this year.
DE:
- Corey Vereen (Soph.) #50 : Vereen has received a lot of praise for his tremendous work ethic since his arrival on campus a year ago. He showed flashes of his relentless motor and ability to apply pressure off the edge when he got the opportunity as a true freshman in 2013. Vereen needs to add good weight to help him hold the edge and maintain leverage in the running game, while continuing to learn the scheme. Vereen will have a great chance to earn a starting spot this year and be a key contributor for the Vols in 2014. He needs to stay healthy as well this year after suffering a broken hand early in the 2013 season that caused him to miss several weeks.
- LaTroy Lewis (Jr.) #4 : Lewis struggled a year ago to learn the new system and apply it to the field. Hopefully after a full year and offseason, Lewis can improve his knowledge of the playbook and impress the staff enough to earn a spot in the two-deep depth chart after spring ball. Lewis has the size and quickness necessary to succeed, he just needs to dedicate himself and play fast. Lewis also began his career as the "jack" LB in former DC, Sal Sunseri's, 3-4 scheme. He has found a permanent home at DE under coach Jancek and hopefully he can take advantage of the opportunity to contribute this season. Lewis must utilize his better than average athleticism to help him earn playing time and get into offensive backfields.
- Curt Maggitt (RJr.) #56 : Maggitt missed the entire 2013 season recovering from an ACL tear he suffered late in the 2012 season. Formerly a LB, Maggitt practiced last season with the practice squad as a DE. It is not been announced officially yet, but look for Maggitt to help out at DE this season for the Vols as he has the ideal build and can rush the passer off the edge. The lack of depth and experience could force him to see increasing time at DE in 2014. Make no mistake, Maggitt is a leader on this team and will be wherever he is most needed to help us win. Heading into spring ball, that need comes at DE more than LB. Maggitt has made the permanent move to DE for 2014 and looks primed and ready to snag the opposite starting spot across from Vereen. Maggitt has stepped into a leadership role on the defense with AJ and has focused on adding weight to help him at the DE spot this year.
- Dewayne Hendrix (Fr.) #8 : Hendrix is a promising young recruit in the incoming 2014 class. He was highly rated coming out of high school and the coaches are excited and eager to get him on campus as quickly as possible. Hendrix's playing time will depend on how in shape he arrives paired with his ability to pick up the defensive scheme. Hendrix was highly sought after coming out of high school, but Tennessee held on to earn his signature. Hendrix has a knack for generating penetration and disrupting opposing offenses in the backfield. If he shows up in shape and ready to work, Hendrix will see plenty of playing time in 2014 for the Vols. Hendrix arrived on campus and has reportedly tipped the scales around 280 pounds, which could allow him to be moved inside in some situations.
- Derek Barnett (Fr.) #9 : Barnett is another impressive incoming member of the 2014 recruiting class. Barnett is also a Tennessee native, attending Brentwood Academy for high school. Barnett has great size (6'4,280) for a true freshman who is set to arrive sometime in late May/early June. The question is where he will be used along the defensive front. He has the size of an interior defensive lineman paired with the quickness, agility, and speed of a DE. Barnett will see the field if he stays healthy and works hard upon his arrival. He's too big and too athletic not to have on the field especially with the lack of overall depth along the defensive line for the Vols. Tennessee has a need at both positions along the front four on defense in 2014, so look for Derek to get a chance to play both positions as the Vols look to utilize his talents and versatility.
- Joe Henderson (Fr.) #52 : Henderson was set to enroll early as a member of the 2014 recruiting class, but complications will force him to wait until May to arrive on Rocky Top. Henderson is a physical young presence off the edge from his DE spot. He shows great burst and strength, which allow him to get off the line of scrimmage well and push offensive lineman around as well. Although he has good strength and a muscular build, he only weighs 235 pounds, which is undersized for an SEC DE. He needs to add weight to help him maintain the line of scrimmage against SEC offensive lineman and learn the playbook when he gets to campus in May. Henderson has the ability to help out in pass rush situations early for the Volunteer defense in 2014.
- Jakkob Johnson (Fr.) #44 : The German-born early enrollee has quickly established himself as a fan-favorite and workout warrior. Jakkob has only played football for two years, but already displays incredible natural ability that can't be taught. At 6'4,240, he has the body to play right away and could even grow into a DE down the road. Jakkob has unique explosion that allows him to run the ball down all over the field. He will take a little time to develop, but this kid has the right attitude and all the tools to be special once the lights come on. Jakkob has impressed early on as a Vol and has been moved permanently to DE. He's weighing around 255 pounds and still can add more weight to his impressive frame. He will most likely need a year to learn the position, having never played it before, but his raw skills paired with his attitude give hope for his future.
DT:
- Trevarris Saulsberry (Sr.) #96 : Saulsberry showed early signs of improvement during the first two games of the 2013 season. During he game against Oregon, he suffered a torn ACL and missed the remainder of the season. His rehab has gone well and he is on schedule to return for summer camp. He will be limited in the spring as the coaches will be cautious with his progression to avoid any potential set-backs, but Saulsberry will be counted on as the senior of this group to contribute and start when the Vols kick off the 2014 season in August.
- Jordan Williams (Sr.) #54 : Williams has again switched positions now for the third time since he arrived on campus as a true freshman three years ago. He has bulked up to around 290 pounds, which will allow him to make the move inside along the defensive front. Williams showed signs of his potential during the 2012 season, but disappointed in 2013 due to a lack of consistency. Hopefully he can once again impress coaches and become a contributor at a position of need for the Vols during his senior season. He will be utilized in passing situations to help apply pressure up the middle and execute different stunts with his quickness.
- Danny O'Brien (RSoph.) #95 : After two full years on Rocky Top, it's time for O'Brien to take the next step in his progression and become a contributor in the two-deep depth chart. O'Brien was a personal protector on the punt unit last season, but will need to progress enough to help spell the starters in 2014. He uses his wide body well to maintain leverage against the run, but needs to improve his consistency in understanding and executing his responsibilities within the scheme. His strength is against the run, so he could be a factor in short yardage and goaline situations especially. O'Brien has a solid motor and good strength, he just needs to take that next step to help his team at a position of need.
- Dimarya Mixon (Fr.) #52 : Mixon arrived as an under the radar type player in the class of 2014. Due to a lack of depth at the DT spot, Mixon has made the move inside despite being undersized at 6'3,265. Coaches like his work ethic and believe he will continue to develop as he showed great promise in spring camp. He has the frame to add weight and will need to do so to be an every down player along the interior of the defensive line. He is penciled in the two deep at DT exiting spring camp, but will have to add muscle mass and progress to compete against the incoming freshman arriving this summer.
- Michael Sawyers (Fr.) #75 : Sawyers was a late addition for the 2014 recruiting class, but his decision was much needed for the Tennessee depth chart. Sawyers is a massive 6'2,320 and can move well for a kid his size. He's better against the run, but will benefit from the tutelage of DL coach, Steve Stripling. He needs to live in the weight room to be able to compete against SEC caliber competition. He's a smart kid, so the playbook should not prove too difficult to manage once he arrives in June. This was an incredible late addition to the incoming class by Tommy Thigpen.
- Owen Williams (Jr.) #58 : Williams is an early enrollee coming from Juco in the 2014 recruiting class. Williams has a relentless motor to go along with being one of the strongest members of team 118. Williams has a similar build to former Tennessee DT, Mo Couch, but he is stronger than Mo and does not have the distractions Couch faced off the field. Williams is SEC ready build-wise, but he needs to live in the film room and his playbook so he can help provide quality depth on the interior of the defensive front this year.
LINEBACKERS: This unit will be much improved from the one a year ago. The return of A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt give this group experienced and proven playmakers. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Dillon Bates, and Chris Weatherd all will see playing time as well this year. Incoming freshmen MLB, Jakkob Johnson and Gavin Bryant, are both big bodied kids who don't shy away from contact.
OLB:
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) #34 : Jalen is a Tennessee native who shined on special teams as a true freshman in 2013. He blocked the punt that was returned for a touchdown against Georgia and heard his name called often on kickoff and punt coverage teams as well. After a full year in the program, Reeves-Maybin is primed and ready to compete for a starting position in 2014. Listed as an athlete coming out of high school, he displayed natural instincts and good speed for the OLB position. He needs to add solid weight this offseason to help him against SEC caliber offensive linemen and backs. If he can add that weight and stay healthy, Jalen will earn quality snaps for the Vols in the fall.
-Chris Weatherd (Jr.) #12 : Weatherd is set to arrive early this summer from Juco as a member of the 2014 recruiting class. Chris shined during his two years in Juco, earning him scholarship offers from several big name schools. Weatherd saw opportunity to play early at Tennessee and the coaching staff is eager to get him on campus. At 6'4,225, Weatherd has the size and frame to play right away. Coaches want him to add weight this offseason, which could allow him to play DE in passing situations due to his versatility, athleticism, and ability to rush the passer. The only question with Weatherd is how fast he can learn the playbook.
-Dillon Bates (Fr.) #17 : Dillon Bates sent a surge through volnation when he announced he was heading to maintain the Bates' family legacy on Rocky Top. As an incoming freshman (set to arrive this summer), Bates is far ahead of his age in terms of understanding the game of football. His high football IQ blended with his size (6'3,225) and his athleticism have defensive coaches excited about his potential to play early. Bates impressed against top high school competition at the Under Armor All American game in Florida. Bates has all the skills to play early. If he can get stronger, he will be a dynamic playmaker for years to come at LB for the Vols. He also is an asset on special teams as well.
-Elliott Berry (Fr.) #41 : Elliott Berry is another name that volnation will easily recognize. He's the younger brother of former Vol legend, Eric Berry. Elliott has great speed and is bigger than Eric. As an AAU track star in the 200 meters, his speed will help him matchup in coverage well and play the ball in space, which is a huge area of concern for the Tennessee defense. Elliott played all over the field in high school, but will more than likely land as an OLB once his 6'1,205 frame adds weight. He will be an asset immediately on special teams and could help in passing situations as well this year due to his athleticism and speed.
MLB:
- A.J. Johnson (Sr.) #45 : "The Beast" has returned for his senior season, turning down the enticing opportunity of the NFL. A.J. has led the team in tackles each of his first three seasons in Knoxville and will play in the NFL following this season. He wanted to leave a legacy of winning at Tennessee, so he decided to come back and hone his skills for one more year. A.J. is a tackling machine. His size (6'3,240) allows him to take on blocks and get to the ball carrier with attitude. He has improved his quickness, but still gets exposed in space and coverage due to a lack of top-level speed. His instincts are great, which allows him to atone for his lack of speed. A.J. is a leader of this team and appears hungry to change the culture on Rocky Top.
- Gavin Bryant (Fr.) #36 : Bryant is scheduled to arrive on campus early this summer. Bryant is a force coming downhill from his MLB spot. He hits like a freight train and has good speed to go along with his size (6'2,230). He needs to get stronger and learn the playbook, but coaches are excited to work with his raw ability. He could help spell AJ when needed, but will help out on special teams right away. This is the future MLB for the Vols. Bryant needs to add strength to help trim some of the baby fat from his build, but he's drawn praise from his position coach, Thigpen, who's compared him to former Vol legend, Al Wilson. While it's way too early for those comparisons, Bryant will be counted on to provide depth behind AJ at the MLB spot for the Vols in 2014.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: The back end of our defense will be improved from a year ago. Experience and consecutive years in the same scheme should help our secondary play more consistent football in 2014. Randolph, McNeil, Sutton, and Coleman all return this year, but it's the newcomers: Kelly Jr., Gaulden, Berry, Paige, and McDowell that are generating buzz and excitement.
CB:
- Cam Sutton (Soph.) #23 : Sutton fits the mold for what coach Willie Martinez is seeking at the CB spot. He's athletic, long, and aggressive. Sutton bursted onto the scene early as a true freshman in 2013. He established himself as a starter and should only get better with a full year in the UT program. Sutton will be called on to be a leader at the CB and become more of a consistent, lockdown type player this year for the Vols.
- Justin Coleman (Sr.) #27 : Coleman has been a starter for the past two years at Tennessee. He makes great plays, but also still makes plays that leave you scratching your head. He needs to take the next step in his progression and lead this group as a senior. He needs to play more consistently, hopefully two years in the same scheme will help him play faster and not make coverage mistakes. Coleman is an aggressive player and could also spend some time learning the nickel CB spot. Coleman has been moved permanently to the nickel spot because coaches like his ability to help in run support there. It also helps eliminate his weaknesses of getting lost on the outside and lack of height.
- Malik Foreman (Soph.) #22 : Foreman is an east TN native who played mainly on special teams last year as a true freshman. He has been praised this off season for his work ethic and has spent time in off season workouts with the starters opposite Sutton. Foreman is a bigger kid, but lacks top end speed. He needs to learn technique and dedicate himself in the weight room to earn his starting spot this year.
- Riyahd Jones (RJr.) #21 : Jones was contending for a starting job a year ago when he arrived on campus, before a freak leg injury sidelined him for most of the 2013 season. Jones looks the part and has great feet. His size is an asset to matchup against bigger SEC WR. He needs to learn the system, so when spring ball comes around, he can show people what they missed in 2013. Jones will also help on special teams.
- D'Andre Payne (Fr.) #2 : Payne is an early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class who has impressed already during his brief time on campus. Payne has added 15 pounds of solid weight already and should contend for playing time at the nickel CB spot in the spring and fall. Payne's size (5'9) is the only negative on him right now as he shows great burst in short spaces and displays great man to man cover skills as well. Payne struggled in spring ball as most true freshmen would. He shows promise of being a solid future nickel CB, but needs time to adapt to the SEC speed of play.
- Emmanuel Mosley (Fr.) #12 : Mosley might have been the surprise of Team 118 so far. He came into the recruiting class of 2014 as an early enrollee most thought would redshirt due to his thin frame. However, he's added twenty pounds of muscle in his short time on Rocky Top to allow him to compete right away at the CB spot opposite Sutton. His speed is noticeable and helps him compete with even our talented WR. This could be the kid Vol fans look back on two or three years from now as the steal of this impressive class.
- Evan Berry (Fr.) #29: Berry is the twin of Elliott and younger brother of Eric Berry. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, but will most likely start at CB due to a need at the position. He has elite top end speed the Vols desperately need. He also is a smart player which should help him pick up the system quickly when he arrives in the early summer. Berry will compete for playing time if he can learn the system and definitely be a contributor on special teams as well in 2014. Berry will be a solid contributor if not this season, for years to come for the Vols in the secondary.
- RaShaun Gaulden (Fr.) #7 : Gaulden is a long, randy kid who will arrive on campus early in the summer as a member of the 2014 recruiting class out of middle Tennessee. Gaulden is going to play DB for the Vols it's just a matter of where he best fits. He is a ball hawk and can play both the run and the pass very well. He needs work on his man-to-man coverage skills, but he has the size and speed to come in a compete right away. He is a bit thin, so adding weight will be a focal point for Gaulden. He will be a menace on special teams as well.
S:
- Brian Randolph (Sr.) #37 : Randolph returns as the unquestioned leader of this secondary. He's been consistent despite having to learn three different schemes while at UT over his career. He plays smart and fast. He's a little undersized, but makes up for that with his instinctual play. He's been injury plagued throughout his career, suffering ACL and shoulder injuries, so he will need to improve his durability this year. Randolph will start once again for the Vols at FS in 2014 and compete for All-SEC honors if he can stay healthy.
- LaDarrell McNeil (Jr.) #33 : McNeil showed promise in 2012 as a true freshman, but struggled with consistency and was exposed in space in 2013. McNeil needs to get quicker and faster this offseason to help him better defend in space. He also needs to learn the defensive scheme so he can play without thinking and just react. McNeil has the ability, but needs to take steps forward and not back this year or he could be replaced by one of the talented newcomers. McNeil could also be used as a nickel LB in certain passing situations to help with matchups.
- Todd Kelly Jr. (Fr.) #6 : A Knoxville native and key member of the 2014 recruiting class, Kelly will arrive on Rocky Top early this summer. He played in the Army All American game and showed he can compete with the best high school talent across the country. Kelly is not afraid of contact from this safety spot and already has a college build. He needs to impove his coverage skills as the competition will be greater than what he played against in high school. He will push for playing time at the SS spot and help immediately on special teams as well.
- Cortez McDowell (Fr.) #20 : McDowell will also arrive early in the summer. He is a great athlete as he could project at either safety spot or even OLB if he adds weight. He has size (6'1,205) and speed to play right away, but he also will try to play baseball in college, so his focus is not 100% on football. That decision could hinder his development as he has not and will not dedicate his time and effort fully to one sport, but there's no doubting his ability to play. It will be interesting to follow his career as he could progress into a monster down the road for coach Jancek.
4-3 DEFENSE: 2 DEEP
DE- Corey Vereen (Soph.) , Dewayne Hendrix (Fr.)
DT- Trevarris Saulsberry (Sr.) , Jordan Williams (Sr.)
DT- Jason Carr (RFr.) , Danny O'Brien (RSoph.) / Derek Carr (Fr.)
DE- LeTroy Lewis (Jr.) , Curt Maggitt (RJr.) / Joe Henderson (Fr.)
OLB- Curt Maggitt (RJr.) / Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) , Chris Weatherd (Jr.)
MLB- A.J. Johnson (Sr.) , Gavin Bryant (Fr.) / Jakkob Johnson (Fr.)
OLB- Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Soph.) / Dillon Bates (Fr.) , Elliott Berry (Fr.)
CB- Cam Sutton (Soph.) , Riyahd Jones (RJr.)
CB- Malik Foreman (Soph.) , Justin Coleman (Sr.) / Evan Berry (Fr.)
FS- Brian Randolph (Sr.) , Rashaun Gaulden (Fr.) / Cortez McDowell (Fr.)
SS- LaDarrell McNeil (Jr.) / Todd Kelly Jr. (Fr.) , Cortez McDowell (Fr.)
Nickel- Justin Coleman (Sr.) , D'Andre Payne (Fr.) / Rashaun Gaulden (Fr.)
Curt Maggitt Cam Sutton Brian Randolph Corey Vereen