Tennessee Football: Will Volunteers make necessary jump in 2019?

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Tennessee mascot Davy Crockett carries the flag across the end zone during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Defense has surprising depth

At a program entering the second year of a rebuild, the Vols have actually stumbled into some nice depth on the defensive side of the ball.

Outside linebacker Darrell Taylor led the team in sacks with eight last year, and once again he’ll be relied upon to pressure the quarterback. Junior Deandre Johnson will likely start at the other outside backer position.

At Inside backer, Daniel Bituli returns after leading the team with 79 tackles in 2018. The spoils of the recruiting war, Henry To’oto’o and Quavaris Crouch, have bright futures as well.

Up front, the Vols just suffered a huge preseason blow. As they look to replace Emmit Gooden, the pending transfer waiver ruling on Aubrey Solomon has huge implications for this defense.

The back end of the Tennessee defense may be the strongest group on the field. Cornerback Bryce Thompson was a freshman All-American in 2018, and he is one of the first stars produced in the Pruitt era. Sophomore Alontae Taylor will likely start at the other corner.

At safety, senior Nigel Warrior is the anchor in the back end. He was second in the team with 64 tackles last season.

With the combination of veteran experience and infusion of youth, there’s no reason this defense shouldn’t take a big jump in 2019.

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