Tennessee Vols showing interest in transfer edge rusher from Pac-12
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly showing interest in UCLA transfer edge rusher Mitchell Agude. Rivals.com national recruiting columnist Mike Farrell reported the Vols' interest in Agude this past week. Penn State, Oregon, and USC, among others, are also showing interest in the talented edge rusher. Agude, 6-foot-4/245 lbs from Corona, CA, entered the transfer portal last […]
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly showing interest in UCLA transfer edge rusher Mitchell Agude.
Rivals.com national recruiting columnist Mike Farrell reported the Vols' interest in Agude this past week.
Penn State, Oregon, and USC, among others, are also showing interest in the talented edge rusher.
Agude, 6-foot-4/245 lbs from Corona, CA, entered the transfer portal last week. His entry into the portal came just a few weeks after announcing that he was staying at UCLA instead of entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
The California native, who originally committed to Maryland, is a former three-star recruit who totaled 78 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four passes defended, and seven forced fumbles over the last two seasons with the Bruins.
Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner is one of the best in the business. His presence should make Tennessee an instant threat to land Agude.
How badly do the Tennessee Vols need Mitchell Agude?
The Vols probably have more of a need at inside linebacker and defensive back than they have at edge rusher, thanks to the return of Tyler Baron and Byron Young.
Baron and Young were two of the Volunteers' top pass rushers in 2021, combining for 9.5 sacks (Young tied for the team lead with 5.5 despite playing in only 11 games).
However, while the need at inside linebacker and defensive back is greater, I still think Agude should be a priority for Tennessee.
Winning on defense starts with disrupting the passing game. And that starts with getting after the quarterback. Depth is extremely important in the SEC on defense — especially for the Vols because of their up-tempo offense (more offensive possessions for the opposition). A team like Tennessee can never have enough pass rushers. Adding Agude would give the Vols a deeper pass-rushing attack. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks would be able to sub pass rushers without a drop-off in talent.
Tennessee needs playmakers — regardless of what position they play. And Agude proved last season that when he's healthy, he's a defensive player that makes things happen (four forced fumbles in his first two games of the year last season for UCLA).
That sounds like the type of player the Vols need to add.
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