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Tim Banks identifies defensive players who could emerge as stars in 2022

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•08/26/22

With the talent that the Tennessee Volunteers have on both sides of the ball, they could make some serious noise in the SEC East this season. On defense, the Volunteers have several players that could easily enjoy a breakout season in 2022. And during a recent press conference, defensive coordinator Tim Banks identified which defensive players he believes could emerge as stars this season.

“As far as the guys that jump out or guys that maybe the common fan doesn’t know, it’s really the usual suspects,” said Banks. “I think Tyler Baron had a really good camp for us. I feel like on the back end, T-Mac (Tamarion McDonald) has come along. He’s doing a tremendous job for us, along with Tank (Jaylen McCollough) and (Trevon) Flowers.”

While the players listed above by Banks definitely have the capability to earn that star status this season, there is one player expected by most to have a breakout season. And Banks took a little bit more time to highlight his potential defensive superstar defensive lineman Byron Young.

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“And then obviously, BY; you know, he jumps out. He’s a guy that has worked really hard on his craft; he made a ton of plays for us last year. But I think he would be the first one to tell you he wanted to reaffirm his skill set in terms of timing, hand placement, and things of that nature. And I think he’s really taken another step. So, we’re excited to see all of those guys perform next Thursday.”

Banks calls defensive line ‘tip of the spear’ for Tennessee

Banks is entering his second season with the Volunteers and is looking to take another jump this year. Banks, a Broyles Award nominee last season, was recently asked about how the rotation of his defensive tackle position would look this season, and also touched on the entire defensive line as a unit.

“That’s obviously one of the key positions, and not just defensive tackle but defensive line in general. You talk about being able to play more guys, I think that’s a spot in particular where you want to make sure that you’re able to rotate those guys and not have any drop off,” Banks said.

Banks returned a lot of his big contributors from last season up front, naming some familiar faces that will make an impact. Not just individually, but as a unit.