Last Chance U: How good could Emmit Gooden be after Independence C.C.

Gooden’s potential with the Vols

As previously mentioned, the Tennessee defensive line is chalked full of former four and five-star recruits that could breakthrough in 2018. Yet, it’s also known that the Tennessee defensive line was inconsistent last year in the final season under former head coach Butch Jones.

There’s no guarantee that Gooden will win a starting job at either defensive tackle spot for the Volts this year. But, he does have the potential to post six or eight sacks over the course of his career with Tennessee. Pruitt was a great defensive coordinator with Saban and the Crimson Tide, so Gooden has the right coach to help his development.

Yet, Gooden did show at ICC that he is capable of handling a heavy workload to anchor down any defensive line. Racking up nearly eight total tackles per game is something that is rare to see for any defensive tackles for the Vols. Where Gooden could really make his value known is by racking up at least 20 or 30 total tackles and at least four or five tackles for loss this season.

Gooden’s real potential could shine through when the Tennessee football program will carry some higher expectations for the 2019 season. The upcoming season could be another tough one for the Vols and the fans in Knoxville. Changing entire coaching staffs after the departure of Jones will have its difficulties in Gooden’s first year.