Quote from redshirt junior will get Tennessee fans excited for the Vols' defense in 2023
Tennessee Vols football fans should be even more excited for the 2023 season after hearing what redshirt junior defensive lineman Dominic Bailey had to say last week to reporters. Bailey spoke to reporters on Friday after Tennessee's third preseason practice and he was asked about the depth along the defensive line. The Maryland native was […]
Tennessee Vols football fans should be even more excited for the 2023 season after hearing what redshirt junior defensive lineman Dominic Bailey had to say last week to reporters.
Bailey spoke to reporters on Friday after Tennessee's third preseason practice and he was asked about the depth along the defensive line.
The Maryland native was quick to point out that the Vols' defensive line has plenty of depth as UT prepares for the start of a new season.
"We're pretty deep on the defensive line," said Bailey. "I think this year we can probably roll out three groups of D-linemen that can actually go out there and play and make things happen. It's great competition there. But you thrive on competition — that's what makes you better. So it's nothing that you shy away from."
Tennessee sophomore linebacker Elijah Herring added to love for the defensive line on Friday during a media session with reporters.
"I wouldn't say that there is one player," said Herring when asked who has been standing out during practice. "I would say there is one position group though. The D-line just has a bunch of freaks on there. It's crazy, And the LEOs (pass rushers) they are freaks of nature. You got Caleb (Herring), you got James (Peace Jr.), you got Roman (Harrison), you got Josh (Josephs), and Chandavian (Bradley). They are just specimens out there. The whole D-line is just so good at their craft, and they each just have their own style of play. So it's just great to go out there and see them play."
Tennessee has made it clear this offseason that they have to get consistent pressure with their front four if the defense is going to show significant improvement in 2023.
"I'm looking forward to us continuing to develop in our ability to affect the quarterback, and not just doing that with pressures all the time but being able to do it with the four guys up front," said Vols head coach Josh Heupel before the start of spring practice last week.
The Vols feel like if they can get more consistent pressure with the defensive line, then it'll take a lot of the pressure off the secondary and make their job easier.
It's been a long time since Tennessee's defensive line's had the depth and talent that it'll have in 2023. And since the Vols have one of the best defensive line coaches in the sport in Rodney Garner, I'd look for the defensive line to be one of Tennessee's biggest strengths this fall.
Vols newcomer sends message that Tennessee should want recruits to hear
A Vols newcomer sent a message this week that Tennessee Football should want recruits to hear
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
