Tennessee Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

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Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Byron Young (6) tackles Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

DE: Roman Harrison (senior)
3-Tech DT: LaTrell Bumphus (super senior)
1-Tech DT: Omari Thomas (junior)
DE: Byron Young (senior)

Rotational DEs: Tyler Baron (junior), James Pearce (freshman), Joshua Josephs (freshman)
Rotational DTs: Elijah Simmons (redshirt junior), Da’Jon Terry (redshirt junior), Tyre West (freshman), Kurott Garland (redshirt senior)
Reserves: DT Jordan Phillips (freshman), DL Jayson Jenkins (freshman)

On the defensive line, Matthew Butler is gone, as well as both left-side defensive ends from a year ago. Stepping in at the 3-technique slot is LaTrell Bumphus. Bumphus has been a program hanger-on for years and took an extra year of eligibility this month to be eligible for 2022.

Omari Thomas rose from backup to starter over Elijah Simmons last season and has a firm grasp on that 1-technique defensive tackle spot.

The ends are both returning guys. Byron Young was a starter a year ago, and Roman Harrison was a key rotation piece. With Tyler Baron returning, there’s experience at the end spot.

But, two freshmen coming in at defensive end are very intriguing. James Pearce has both a 6-6 frame and explosive speed to go with it. Joshua Josephs is also a blue-chip prospect and is a candidate to play early when the Vols’ run their 2-4-5 look.

Tyre West should rise up the depth chart very quickly as well at defensive tackle, getting playing time over existing reserves at that spot.

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