Tennessee Football: 5 reasons why Volunteers will stink in 2017

BRISTOL, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Travon McMillian #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies breaks the tackle attempt of defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. #24 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

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5. Regression on the defensive line

Not to say that the Vols will have a bad defensive line in 2017. However, losing a guy like defensive end Derek Barnett would leave a gaping hole for any team’s pass rush. A lot of pressure falls on defensive tackle and former five-star recruit Kahlil McKenzie, defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, and defensive end Jonathan Kongbo.

Tennessee’s defensive line is chalked full of four and five star talent but actually developing that talent into something real is the problem. Replacing Barnett’s 13 sacks is something that probably will not happen, let’s be honest. The returning player that has the most sacks on the Tennessee defense is lineman Kendal Vickers, who only brought down the quarterback 2.5 times last year.

Even former pass rusher Corey Vereen is gone. A huge portion of the Vols’ pass rush is no longer with the team and their entire defense could suffer. Relying on potential talent is one thing but not having any proven depth is another. Give Butch Jones props if he can figure out how to piece the puzzle together on the Tennessee defensive line.

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