A position group where Tennessee football is a bit unproven is up front on the defensive line. While the Vols do return some production from last year’s team, there will also be new pieces mixing in to complete the unit.
However, there’s a recent notable development to the room. Penn State star edge rusher transfer Chaz Coleman will officially not be with the team after being medically disqualified. He missed the back end of spring camp and was late to summer workouts before the parting of ways.
Other LEOs on the roster include Tulane transfer Jordan Norman, redshirt-freshman Christian Gass and a number of freshmen, including Zach Groves, Hezekiah Harris and CJ Edwards. Mike Bethea is also there to round out the room as a proven special teamer. Of the group, Norman projects as the starter.
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On the interior, there are a number of pieces with starting ability. However, if healthy, the likely combination is senior Daevin Hobbs and Penn State transfer Xavier Gilliam. Gilliam joined this offseason and was one of the breakout stars of spring camp.
Other options at defensive tackle that will certainly get run include Nathan Robinson, Isaiah Campbell and Ethan Utley. Freshmen Dereon Albert, Darryl Rivers, JJ Finch and NicQuayvion Simmons also have the chance to get some run. The room is rounded out by Charles House III, Joshua Helsdon and Isaiah Inge.
At defensive end, Tennessee is going to need someone to take a step. The projected starter is Tyree Weathersby, who enters his redshirt-junior year, but has never had this much pressure on him to produce. Behind Weathersby is sophomore Mariyon Dye, freshmen Carter Gooden, Jordan Carter and Kedric Golston II and redshirt-sophomore Carson Gentle.
