Most of the discussion centering around the Tennessee Vols this spring has focused on the offensive side of the ball.

That's because new UT head coach Josh Heupel is an offensive guru who is expected to immediately turn the Vols into a points-scoring machine.

While that could very likely end up being the case, Tennessee will still have to play defense. And to win games, they'll have to play well on the defensive side of the ball. Otherwise, it won't matter how many points the offense puts up. A loss is a loss.

The Vols lost numerous key defensive players this offseason, which means the new staff is looking to identify some playmakers and team leaders this spring.

One of the players that appears to be stepping up is an edge rusher who arrived at Tennessee this offseason just before Heupel was hired.

Junior college transfer Byron Young signed with the Volunteers during the 2021 recruiting cycle.

The South Carolina native was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. Young had offers from Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Texas, among several others.

So far this spring, Young has been a standout player for the Vols.

"(Bryon Young) has definitely continued to improve and get better," said defensive line coach Rodney Garner last week. "He takes coaching. He works on the little things that we point out in the film sessions. Right now, he is a guy that is trending upwards."

Senior offensive lineman Cade Mays echoed those sentiments this week, telling reporters that Young, who is a junior, is one of the hardest players on the team to block during practice.

"Byron Young has done a really good job at coming to practice every day with juice," said Mays. "He’s going to be a really special player here one day."

The Vols lost edge rusher Deandre Johnson to the transfer portal during the offseason (he transferred to Miami). That means Young should have a big opportunity to make an impact as a pass rusher for Tennessee in 2021.

For now, it sounds like Young is well on his way to becoming a key player for the Vols this season.

That should be music to the ears of UT fans. Having an effective pass rusher who can disrupt the passing game is a key ingredient to defensive success. Young could end up being one of Tennessee's most important players this season.

Featured image via Tennessee Athletic Communications