Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner isn’t one to pass out undeserved praise when meeting with the media. In fact, Garner oft downplays the success and hype around his players and unit to motivate them as effectively as possible.
But when asked about veteran defensive end Dominic Bailey Wednesday, the longtime SEC defensive line coach didn’t hold back any praise.
“I think right now if we had to vote on the MVP of the front guys, I think Dom Bailey would win it hands down,” Garner said. “This kid has had an outstanding camp, run, pass, leadership, all those things. He really stands out in a very positive way. And, obviously, I think a lot of people know when I first got here, he stood out in another way, and it wasn’t a good way. So you know, this kid has really earned everything that he’s got.”
Bailey is one of multiple veteran presences on Tennessee’s defensive line and is the veteran presence at the strong side defensive end spot. A fifth-year senior, Bailey has played major snaps each of the last three seasons. He totaled 25 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries during the 2024 season and is poised for another big role again in 2025.
“He’s a blue-collar, worked his tail off to get himself in this position and he’s made himself a really good SEC d-lineman and I am really glad that we have him,” Bailey said. “I love his leadership, I love the way he goes about his business, his work ethic.”
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Tennessee is incredibly deep at the strongside defensive end position. The Vols return their two most productive players at the spot from a season ago in Bailey and rising senior Tyre West. Tyree Weathersby is poised to push for more playing time in his third collegiate season and his second fully healthy. Playing on the defensive line as a true freshman in the SEC is always difficult, but Mariyon Dye looks capable of playing as a true freshman.
That competition put a big smile on Garner’s face. Tennessee’s defensive line coach loves to rotate players and loves to have the bench to motivate his unit during all of fall camp.
“Competition is good,” Garner said. “It’s the best thing you can have. It really is. You know, it doesn’t allow for a guy to get comfortable. A guy can’t rest on his morals. It’s just like, even just out there, we just got through running. One of them don’t wanna run? Hey, that’s alright, I’m playing the next guy. I don’t really care. I mean, that’s just the way it is. We gonna do it one way, and that’s the right way.”
Bailey and the rest of Tennessee’s defensive linemen have the chance to make an early statement during the Vols’ first fall scrimmage Saturday morning.
