Previewing the 2018 Tennessee Vols defense by position group

Mike Wilson | Knoxville

Tennessee had the best pass defense in the SEC a season ago.

But don't let that fool you. The Vols struggled defensively, highlighted by an inability to stop the run. So, naturally, UT's pass defense ranked high because its run defense was the worst in the league.

What has to change in Jeremy Pruitt's first year? The long list starts with toughness. The good news is UT should have more, led by safety Nigel Warrior — who looks like a breakout candidate — and experience at inside linebacker.

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The Vols return their starting safeties, as well as three inside linebackers with plenty of knowledge. They also have many upperclassmen returning on the defensive line and outside linebacker.

Cornerback — Pruitt's specialty — is the biggest question mark on defense, with little experience as the unit looks to shore up its play under defensive coordinator Kevin Sherrer.

Defensive line

Get ready for the changes up front.

Tennessee will use three down linemen when it’s in Pruitt’s 3-4 defense. Senior Kyle Phillips was named the most improved defensive player in the spring. He should be locked in as a starter at one of the end positions after having two sacks in 2017.

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Shy Tuttle, also a senior, got the first look at nose tackle. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman is Tennessee's best fit at the spot — for now, at least. Junior college recruit Emmit Gooden could push for playing time early in his career. He’s built like Tuttle, at 6-3, 306 pounds, bringing a dynamic inside presence.

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Alexis Johnson is the top option to line up opposite Phillips. Johnson, a senior, played in 11 games last season.

Sophomores Matthew Butler and Kivon Bennett join freshmen Kingston Harris, Kurott Garland and John Mincey as players looking to earn a spot in the rotation.

Defensive improvement starts with this unit. UT got marginal pressure on quarterbacks a year ago and didn’t get into the backfield with regularity to stop the run.

Linebackers

Tennessee has three known commodities at inside linebacker, making it one of the strongest position groups on the roster.

Daniel Bituli was a steady force a year ago, leading the Vols with 90 tackles — 23 of which came in the season-opener against Georgia Tech. Either Quart’e Sapp or Darrin Kirkland Jr. will pair with Bituli as the starting duo.

Sapp was a starter last season, ranking fourth on the team with 78 tackles. Kirkland was a stud as a freshman in 2015, but he was hampered by injuries the past two years. The coaching staff has been cautious with him throughout August practice, limiting his reps.

Sophomore Will Ignont is another option at inside linebacker after playing last year as a true freshman.

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The outside linebacker position — a standup defensive end in the 3-4 — has a few options. The most interesting is Jonathan Kongbo, who has bounced around the defensive line. He is comfortable at this new spot, slimmed down and could excel. He also fits well with having his hand in the dirt when UT uses four down linemen.

Darrell Taylor, who ranked second on the team with three sacks last season, is the top option to line up opposite Kongbo. Like Kongbo, Taylor is a converted defensive end.

Deandre Johnson, Jordan Allen and Austin Smith offer depth behind Kongbo and Taylor.

Defensive backs

Tennessee’s secondary is a tale of two different levels.

The group is headlined by Warrior, who looks like UT’s best defensive player overall after a solid sophomore season. He’s a hard-hitting, quick safety.

Senior safety Micah Abernathy returns alongside Warrior. Todd Kelly Jr., who missed most of last season with an injury, is a backup, and freshman Trevon Flowers turned some heads during the preseason.

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But the cornerback position experienced wild turnover. The Vols graduated the bulk of its playing rotation from last season, with Shawn Shamburger being the lone key returner. He has been working primarily at nickelback and safety, likely holding the starting nickel spot.

Baylen Buchanan is sliding into the top cornerback spot. He has played in 19 games in the past two seasons. Freshman Alontae Taylor appears positioned to grab the starting spot opposite Buchanan.

Taylor, who was recruited as a wide receiver, emerged as a preseason standout after moving to defense in the spring.

Former running back Carlin Fils-aime also is in the group at cornerback, along with Marquill Osborne. Junior college transfer Kenneth George Jr. and Bryce Thompson — a late addition to the 2018 recruiting class — could earn playing time.