‘When I first got here, he stood out in another way, and it wasn’t a good way’ – Vols coach names one of Tennessee’s MVPs in fall camp
One of the Tennessee Vols’ defensive MVPs during fall camp is a player that UT fans are very familiar with. Redshirt senior defensive lineman Dominic Bailey has been at Tennessee since 2020. The Maryland native didn’t make much of an impact during his first two seasons with the program, before getting pushed into a bigger […]
One of the Tennessee Vols’ defensive MVPs during fall camp is a player that UT fans are very familiar with.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Dominic Bailey has been at Tennessee since 2020. The Maryland native didn’t make much of an impact during his first two seasons with the program, before getting pushed into a bigger role in 2022.
Bailey has played in all 39 games for the Vols over the last three seasons after appearing in just three games during his first two seasons in Knoxville.
Last season was the best of Bailey’s career as he totaled 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries (all career highs). Bailey’s steady improvement during his time at Tennessee has led to him being one of the Vols’ biggest standouts during this year’s fall camp.
“I’d say, just talking to those scouts, I think right now if we had to vote on the MVP of the [defensive] front guys, I think Dom Bailey would win it hands down,” said Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner on Wednesday. “This kid’s had an outstanding camp — run, pass, leadership, all of those things. He really stands out in a very positive way.
“And I think a lot of people know when I first got here, he stood out in another way — and it wasn’t a good way. So, you know, this kid has really earned everything that he’s got. He’s a blue-collar, worked his tail off to get himself in this position and he’s made himself a really good SEC D-lineman. And I’m really glad that we have him. I love his leadership, I love the way he goes about his business, his work ethic…I’m excited about Dom.”
Bailey is an extremely important player for the Vols in 2025. After losing key interior defensive linemen like Omari Thomas and Omarr Norman-Lott to the NFL, it’s on players like Bailey (along with Jaxson Moi, Bryson Eason, etc) to lead the defensive line in an elite way.
The story of Bailey going from a player who stood out for the wrong reasons to one who stands out for the right reasons is a message to others across college football. And that message is that sticking around at one program, instead of transferring for a slightly bigger check, is almost always going to be better for a player’s development.
Tennessee Volunteers News
College football insider drops update on Tennessee Vols’ starting quarterback battle
On3’s Pete Nakos dropped an update on Wednesday on the Tennessee Vols’ ongoing starting quarterback battle. Tennessee, which is having a quarterback competition due to the unexpected departure of Nico Iamaleava in the spring, is featuring a battle between UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and true freshman George MacIntyre. According to Nakos’ […]
