Tim Banks discusses improved depth for Tennessee in 2022

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks heads into his second season in the role for the Volunteers. Heading into training camp, Banks was asked about how confident and comfortable his side of the ball is looking.

“Always confident, comfortable I don’t know about that. We obviously still got a lot of work to do, but we’re definitely excited just with the number of student athletes we obviously have in the program at this point. When first got here we’re obviously struggling with depth, we feel like we at least have more scholarship bodies, obviously it’s our job to figure out what they can do and put those guys in the best possible position. So I don’t know if I’m comfortable, but we’re definitely excited to have those guys here,” Banks said.

Roster depth was definitely an issue for Tennessee last season, as Banks was handed the reigns of a defense that was decimated by players leaving the program for the transfer portal. Tennessee definitely has bolstered their roster, which will surely help them this season, but Banks’ philosophy is that even with much more depth you still have to earn playing time for the Vols.

“I think that’s a little bit yet to be determined, but again we obviously have more scholarship bodies at this point,” Banks continued. “We just had a defensive meeting and my message to those guys, we’re going to play all of the guys who’ve earned the reps. But, the reality of it is you’ve gotta earn it. But do we have more bodies, absolutely, and that’s a good thing, that’s great a great starting point. But obviously as we continue to divvy out reps and who has the honor of running out there with that starting group, that’ll be based on the work that those guys put in and I know those guys are eager to get to work. So we’ll find out soon exactly how depth we will have.”

Despite their roster depth handcuffing them last season, Banks still lead a major turnaround for the Volunteers last season. Banks established an attacking, defensive mentality that led to the Vols leading the nation in tackles for loss for a majority of the season. The Vols also increased their takeaways under Banks, and his improvement of the defense led to him being a Broyles Award nominee.

On both sides of the ball, Tennessee made a huge leap last season despite their lack of depth, and with a much deeper roster, this season fans will be expecting another jump from Banks and his team this upcoming season.