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Tennessee Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Kendal Vickers, Kahlil McKenzie
Backups: Quay Picou, Shy Tuttle

Senior tackle Kendal Vickers is the most veteran member of the starting defensive line rotation. He finished the 2016 season with 38 total tackles, six for loss and 2.5 sacks. He will lead the way up front as a big-bodied tackle, joined by junior Kahlil McKenzie. The latter had just 12 total tackles and a half-tackle for loss last year, but expects to have a breakout campaign as a first-year starter.

As the backups, juniors Quay Picou and Shy Tuttle are there to provide depth. Not only are they solid backups, but they provide experience in the No. 2 rotation. That’s something that many teams may not realize is important. They combined for 14 tackles last season.

Starting ends: Jonathan Kongbo, Darrell Taylor
Backups: Deandre Johnson, Kyle Phillips

Replacing Derek Barnett won’t be easy, but Jonathan Kongbo could be due for a huge season on the Volunteers line. The junior end is the projected starter and he had high hopes entering the 2016 season as the top JUCO signee. He had 11 tackles, three for loss, a sack and a pick-six. Sophomore Darrell Taylor didn’t have a major role in 2016, but he’s the projected starter on the other side.

Kyle Phillips recorded 15 total tackles in 2016, which is almost as much as the two starters combined, but he will play as a rotational player. He will be joined by freshman sensation Deandre Johnson.

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