Under-the-radar offseason move paying dividends for Tennessee's defense
The Tennessee Vols haven't been shy this offseason about pointing out that the pass rush has to be better in 2023 if the program is going to reach its goal of winning the SEC East. "One of the things we said coming out of last season that we needed to improve on was being better […]
The Tennessee Vols haven't been shy this offseason about pointing out that the pass rush has to be better in 2023 if the program is going to reach its goal of winning the SEC East.
"One of the things we said coming out of last season that we needed to improve on was being better on a four-down pass rush," said Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner during spring practice.
To help in that area, Tennessee hired former Vols defensive lineman Robert Ayers Jr as a defensive graduate assistant.
"I think he's only going to help us to get better and become a better football team…hopefully, he'll be able to bring a lot of (insight) to that, to be able to help us improve in that area," said Garner after Ayers was hired.
Vols defensive lineman Omari Thomas suggested during spring practice that Ayers made an instant impact for Tennessee's defensive line — specifically with helping the defensive linemen with their technique.
On Friday, after Tennessee's third preseason practice, Vols sophomore defensive lineman Joshua Josephs told reporters that Ayers helped him a lot this summer.
"During the offseason I took a lot of time to work on my craft," said Josephs on Friday. "And with Coach Ayers here, he also helped."
If the Vols' pass rush is better in 2023, then the secondary will be better. A better pass rush would give defensive coordinator Tim Banks some more options when it comes to creatively attacking opposing offenses (and more options to disguise looks).
Everyone on the defensive side of the ball has to do their job for Tennessee to have success in 2023. But it really all starts with the defensive line. If they can show improvement, it will make life on the rest of the defense a lot easier.
The big secret about Tennessee in 2023 that no one in college football is talking about
There’s a big secret about the Tennessee Vols in 2023 that no one in college football is talking about
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
