Four days from today, the Tennessee Volunteers will kickoff their 2024 season at home against Chattanooga. Josh Heupel’s squad has high hopes for a College Football Playoff run, and the pundits seem to be in line with that notion. Coming in at the preseason number 15, Tennessee has a solid chance to work their way into the new twelve team playoff format.
The roster depth has made huge strides over the last few seasons, with the defensive secondary specifically this season. The projected depth chart reflects the changes and the Vols could potentially have one of the best defenses in the SEC in 2024.
Tennessee Defensive Depth Chart
Defensive End
The departure of Tyler Baron left an opportunity for guys like Dominic Bailey and Tyre West to showcase their abilities in 2024. West was a standout in Tennessee’s Citrus Bowl victory against Iowa to end the 2023 season. With Tyree Weathersby returning from injury and Jayson Jenkins emergence in the spring, the Vols have great depth at their defensive end position.
Dominic Bailey, RS Sr
Tyre West, Jr
Jayson Jenkins, RS So
Tyree Weathersby, RS Fr
Nose Tackle
Omari Thomas decided to return for his final season of eligibility and his presence makes the Tennessee defensive line one of the best in the country. Elijah Simmons has been disruptive in spurts, but his gas tank gets a little low at times. With Thomas, former five star recruit Daevin Hobbs, and JUCO transfer Jamal Wallace around, Simmons can expend his energy without worry.
Omari Thomas, Sr
Elijah Simmons, RS Sr
Daevin Hobbs, So
Jamal Wallace, Jr
Defensive Tackle
Omarr Norman-Lott and Bryson Eason took different paths to stardom at Tennessee. Norman-Lott transferred in from Arizona State and was highly productive in 2023. Eason arrived at UT as a freshman linebacker and grew into a destructive force at defensive tackle. They are joined by Stanford transfer Jaxson Moi, who will provide more depth as he learns the defensive scheme.
Omarr Norman-Lott, Sr
Bryson Eason, RS Sr
Jaxson Moi, Jr
Leo
James Pearce Jr. may be the best overall football player in the country. Projected to go number one in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce is a consensus preseason All-American. Joshua Josephs, Caleb Herring, and incoming five star freshman Jordan Ross are all also elite pass rushers who would be starters in most other programs.
James Pearce Jr., Jr
Joshua Josephs, Jr
Caleb Herring, So
Jordan Ross, Fr
Linebacker
The loss of Keenan Pili in the first game of 2023 was detrimental to the Tennessee defense. Inexperienced linebackers were forced into unexpected playing time. Fast forward into 2024 and those inexperienced linebackers have gained very needed experience and will help provide much needed depth. Pili is back and will be joined by Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander as the primary Tennessee linebackers. Kalib Perry, Jalen Smith, and freshman Edwin Spillman will also see plenty of snaps in what could become a strength for the Vols’ defense.
Keenan Pili, RS Sr
Arion Carter, So
Jeremiah Telander, So
Kalib Perry, Jr
Jalen Smith, RS Fr
Edwin Spillman, Fr
Cornerback
Jermod McCoy and Jalen McMurray were two of the biggest wins for Tennessee in the transfer portal. McCoy proved to be a shutdown corner as a freshman while at Oregon State. McMurray was also a very solid addition out of Temple. Ricky Gibson III gained experience last season as a replacement for the injured Kamal Hadden. Jordan Matthews and true freshmen Marcus Goree Jr. and Kaleb Beasley will provide important depth.
Jermod McCoy, So
Ricky Gibson III, So
Jalen McMurray, RS Jr
Jordan Matthews, RS Fr
Marcus Goree Jr., Fr
Kaleb Beasley, Fr
Star
Jourdan Thomas was expected to be the starter at the Star position for Tennessee, but he tore up his knee at the start of fall camp. Since then, Christian Harrison and incoming freshman Boo Carter have been working as the primary stars. Will Brooks has also played star in the past and could step in at any moment if needed.
Christian Harrison, RS So
Boo Carter, Fr
Will Brooks, RS Sr
Christian Charles, RS Jr
Safety
Gone is Jaylen McCullough, but Tennessee is going to be faster and more athletic in 2024. Andre Turrentine has superstar potential, while Will Brooks is steady and consistent. Incoming Middle Tennessee State transfer Jakobe Thomas has a high ceiling, as does John Slaughter. Christian Charles has positional versatility and can play any secondary position, but he has struggled to stay healthy during his collegiate career.
Andre Turrentine, RS Jr
Will Brooks, RS Sr
Jakobe Thomas, RS Jr
John Slaughter, So
Christian Charles, RS Jr
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