Josh Heupel puts spotlight on the Tennessee defense, players expected to emerge

Tennessee’s defense had a knack for making explosive plays last year. But failing to get consistent and timely stops ultimately led to a disappointing season on that end of the field last season for the Vols. At SEC Media Days, Josh Heupel explained exactly where Tennessee needs to improve on defense and shared which players he believes can make those changes happen. You can see his full comments below:

“Yeah I think a year ago, had some great success, a bunch of tackles for loss. We had people in third-and-long. We just didn’t get off the football field. Our depth was a part of why we didn’t play at the level we wanted to at times.”

But Heupel is all on the staff he has in place. In year two, things are going to get turned around.

“I love who we have as a staff. Tim Banks is a dynamic leader, great communicator, very aggressive in what he does. We have a great staff underneath him and our players are fully bought into what we’re doing. I feel like we’re going to get better on third-and-long situations. Some new guys that are in our program, development by coach Rodney Garner at the defensive line position, ability to affect the quarterback, that’s going to be critical for us.”

Heupel believes playing situational football is crucial. Getting third down stops is a huge part of that. But so is holding stiff in the red zone.

“Not just doing it with pressure but being able to do it with the front four. Then being able to be better in red zone defense. When we get in those situations, keeping people out of the end zone are a couple things that have been a big emphasis for us. There’s been a lot of growth.”

Josh Heupel on which players he expects a leap from

Heupel then went on to single out a number of players he expects to take big developmental strides this coming season.

“Trey Flowers this year, a guy that dramatically looks different. His movement on the field looks different and his play is different because of what he’s done in the offseason. Expect big things from him. Jaylen McCollough is a young man that I think is going to take that next step, similar to Theo Jackson a year ago. Up front we’ve got great competition and depth. Tyler Baron’s a guy that’s had a great offseason.

“Elijah Simmons up front has dropped a bunch of weight, his movement’s better. I feel like he’s got a chance to be disruptive with the loss of Matt Butler up front. He’s got a chance to step into one of those roles. Omari Thomas is a great, dynamic playmaker. Jeremy Banks at the linebacker position is a guy that’s made a lot of plays. He’s got a better command of what we’re doing defensively, so now not just making plays but being in the right spot at the right time.”