'He's going to get a chance to be really, really special this year' – Tennessee Vols senior is poised for breakout season in 2025
The Tennessee Vols are losing several key players from last season’s standout defensive line. While those losses sting, it’s ultimately an opportunity for other players to step up and earn bigger roles in 2025. One of the players is senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, who is entering his sixth season at Tennessee. Eason was solid […]
The Tennessee Vols are losing several key players from last season’s standout defensive line. While those losses sting, it’s ultimately an opportunity for other players to step up and earn bigger roles in 2025.
One of the players is senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, who is entering his sixth season at Tennessee.
Eason was solid for Tennessee last season, totaling 24 tackles (16 solo) and 1.5 sacks.
The Memphis native, however, has a chance to be "special" in his final season at Tennessee according to VolQuest's Austin Price.
"Let's face it, this is year six for Bryson Eason," said Price during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's Ramon and Will on Tuesday. "I mean, he's an older player, and he's got to be one of the bell cows on the defensive line for Tennessee. He had a really nice year last year. He is a kid that has continually got better and better and better under (Vols defensive line coach) Rodney Garner. I think when Rodney first got here, [Eason] did not know how to embrace the way Rodney coaches. And then once he embraced it, I believe that he's really been the one that's flourished as much as anybody
"He's done a fantastic job of just bringing it each and every day. He's been way more consistent the last two years than he was the first couple of years he was in Knoxville. And I expect a big year. I know Rodney Garner thinks this kid has got top round talent — like a first or second round type of player with a really good year. And again, he's older, so he has the benefit of being in college for a number of years. He's 23 years old and he's going to get a chance to be really, really special this year."
During spring practice, Garner called Eason one of the more "gifted" players on Tennessee's roster.
"Obviously, Bryson is very talented, and we've always talked about that every year," said Garner in March. "He's one of the more gifted kids that we have, but just seeing him being more attentive to doing the little things. He is a talented guy, everybody when they are writing him up with the scouts and coaches, his talent jumps out.
"But there are some things that he needs to clean up in his game. And for him to come out and at least be focused on fixing certain things that we've talked about, that's really encouraging, and it shows to me that he's maturing. And that's showing that he's growing as a man and he's taking it seriously."
With Omari Thomas moving on to the NFL, it'll be on Eason to be one of the Vols' top leaders along the defensive line. If Eason can continue to grow as a leader, he could easily develop into an early round NFL draft pick thanks to his naturally elite talent.
