Forgotten player for Vols could be in line for a breakout season in 2023
A somewhat forgotten player could be in line for a breakout season for the Tennessee Vols in 2023. Redshirt junior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, one of the holdovers from the Jeremy Pruitt era, hasn't put up big numbers since arriving at Tennessee in 2020. But that could be changing this fall. Improved defensive line play […]
A somewhat forgotten player could be in line for a breakout season for the Tennessee Vols in 2023.
Redshirt junior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, one of the holdovers from the Jeremy Pruitt era, hasn't put up big numbers since arriving at Tennessee in 2020.
But that could be changing this fall.
Improved defensive line play has been a big focus for the Vols this offseason. Tennessee feels like getting more consistent pressure with their front four is the secret to improving their pass defense.
"Pass defense is all 11," said Vols head coach Josh Heupel last week at SEC Media Days. "You have to be able to rush the passer."
Eason should be a big part of the Vols' defensive line rotation in 2023 after seeing his reps increase during the last few games of the 2022 season (Eason made his first career start against Clemson in the Orange Bowl, per UTSports.com).
The Memphis native said during spring practice that he's finally feeling more comfortable in Tennessee's defensive scheme.
"I've just been really getting comfortable with the position from the changes from the past couple of years, learning new things and feeling comfortable with the techniques," said Eason in April. "I'm just trying to be the best player I can be for my team, my teammates, and myself as well. I'm just getting very comfortable with the D-line position. It's all clicking for me right now. I've been feeling very good about it and I feel like we, as a unit, have had a very good spring."
Eason's teammate Omari Thomas, who also plays along the defensive line, said last week at SEC Media Days that Eason is one of the players he's seen the most growth from this offseason.
"Bryson Eason, No. 20, that's my boy. He's from Memphis," said Thomas when asked which players he's seen improvements from this offseason. "I'm very excited for Bryson, just to be out there with him, just to see him grow, actually embrace — came in as a linebacker — but just to see him embrace playing the defensive tackle position is very good…I'm excited for Bryson and what he can do this year."
If the Vols are going to win the SEC East in 2023 — and they've made it clear that winning the SEC East is their goal — then they'll need their interior defensive line to play at a high level.
The offense gets all of the attention, but winning in the trenches is still what wins division titles in the SEC. If Eason can take a big step forward in his development and prove to be a dependable defensive tackle that helps shut the running game down between the tackles and generates pressure on the quarterback, then it will go a long way in helping Tennessee's defense become a strength instead of a liability.
Tennessee Vols: Tony Vitello praises Josh Heupel at the expense of Peyton Manning
Tennessee Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello is a big fan of legendary UT quarterback Peyton Manning. I mean, who isn't? Vitello's fandom of Peyton, however, didn't stop him from praising current Vols head coach Josh Heupel on Saturday at the expense of Manning. Heupel threw out the first pitch before Tennessee's matchup against the Missouri […]
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
