The Dline lost all but one contributor last year in Emmit Gooden. He'll start at NG. The DE spots are up for grabs while in the 3-4. Aubrey Solomon, a transfer from Michigan, will start at one spot if he gains immediate eligibility. If not, John Mincey, who played well for a true freshman until an elbow injury, may get the nod. Matthew Butler looks to have earned the other spot right now. There's a lot of bodies but no real proven depth along the DL. Savion Williams and Darel Middleton were two JUCO signees that will be relied upon to be ready to go. Williams will rotate in with Gooden at NG, Middleton at DE. Elijah Simmons has earned a lot of praise, I want to see him anchor the middle of the defense. Kurott Garland and Kingston Harris didn't play a lot last year, but they have actual game experience, which is hard to find here. If Greg Emerson is healthy, he can contribute solid snaps, possibly start. It's hard to pick the starters, because a lot hinges on the NCAA's decision on Solomon and Pruitt is going to go back and forth between 3 and 4 down linemen a lot. My best case scenario DE: Solomon NG: Gooden DE: Butler With a lot of guys rotating in and out depending on the situation. I don't expect we'll see 5 or 6 guys get 99% of the snaps on the dline like last year. I would expect a steady rotation of 7 or 8 guys, which should really help the run defense and let the linebackers run free. This is one area Pruitt went out and got much larger bodies.
David Ubben is a lot better than me at writing "I’ve said it a few times this offseason and still believe it: I see a lot in this group. But when no one’s really played, I have no choice but to put them last. I wouldn’t be shocked to see this group end up a real strength by midseason" "Last year, the Vols played three starters the vast majority of snaps. This year, expect something more like a rotation of six or seven guys." https://theathletic.com/1103266/2019/07/30/tennessee-defense-position-group-rankings/
I woulda suspended the #51 for awhile. Maybe he can knock the funk off since he's everything Richmond isn't. Where did Richmond go anyway?
just read up a little and appears he will be competing for PT with another McKenzie. Also read where he wasn't around for offseason workouts, even though on campus. Go figure.