Savion Williams, DL
Though no incoming freshmen were included on this list, Savion Williams makes the cut for a number of reasons, chiefly because he’ll likely be counted on as soon as he takes the field to play a big role on UT’s defensive line.
Tennessee lost all three starters off the defensive line and key backup Paul Bain off last year’s roster. The only returning defensive lineman with any significant experience is Emmit Gooden. Behind him, the Vols have question mark after question mark along the defensive line. Savion Williams has a chance to answer a lot of those questions.
The former four-star JUCO product brings high intensity and a work ethic nearly unrivaled by anyone else in Tennessee’s 2019 signing class. Williams is already 6-foot-4, 315 pounds and had 10 tackles for loss for Lackawanna in junior college last season. There’s a good chance Williams earns a starting spot right out the gate on UT’s defensive line, and his role will be even more important if Michigan transfer Aubrey Solomon’s immediate eligibility waiver is denied.
With minimal experienced players across the defensive line, Tennessee needs someone to be a breakout player on the line of scrimmage on defense this season. Williams has the best chance of being that player.
