The Dline

Discussion in 'Vols Football' started by justingroves, Jul 25, 2019.

  1. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    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.
     
    The Dooz likes this.
  2. bostonvol

    bostonvol Chieftain

    Kurott Garland has entered the transfer portal
     
  3. justingroves

    justingroves supermod


    Good luck to him
     
  4. CardinalVol

    CardinalVol Uncultured, non-diverse mod

    We really, really need Solomon eligible.
     
  5. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    And both JUCO guys ready to go and Emerson to be at 100%
     
    BigOrangeBeech likes this.
  6. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    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/
     
  7. A-Smith

    A-Smith Chieftain

    If the D-Line is a strength of the team it's going to be a pleasant season.
     
  8. IP

    IP Super Moderator

    I don't understand this reference. "Pleasant season?" What is this?
     
  9. BigOrangeBeech

    BigOrangeBeech Poster of the Month, July 2014 and recruiting guy!

    And Gooden to take another step this year.
     
  10. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    Suddenly, the dline doesn't worry me

     
    hohenfelsvol likes this.
  11. govols182

    govols182 Honorary Mod

    I hope hes as good as everyone wants him to be.
     
  12. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    Hes a lot like Dan Williams
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2019
    VolDad likes this.
  13. BigOrangeBeech

    BigOrangeBeech Poster of the Month, July 2014 and recruiting guy!

    He gonna be tough to move
     
  14. OneForVol

    OneForVol Well-Known Member

    We have always had more success when our players look like they are 35.
     
    CardinalVol and justingroves like this.
  15. bostonvol

    bostonvol Chieftain

    I think Dontari Poe is a pretty good comparison.
     
  16. justingroves

    justingroves supermod

    He would have been a Vol if he could have qualified.
     
  17. bostonvol

    bostonvol Chieftain

    Didn’t know that
     
  18. Ssmiff

    Ssmiff Went to the White House...Again

    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?
     
  19. Customtaco

    Customtaco Member


    USC Trojans
     
  20. Ssmiff

    Ssmiff Went to the White House...Again

    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.
     

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