Tim Banks gives update on changes Byron Young has made ahead of 2022 season

The Tennessee Volunteers defense lost a few key contributors from last year’s squads, like defensive back Alontae Taylor who was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. But the Volunteers do have a few defensive studs coming back for the 2022 campaign. One of those is preseason all-SEC first-teamer, Byron Young. During a recent interview, Tennessee’s defensive coordinator Tim Banks gave an update on changes Byron Young has made ahead of the 2022 season.

“We thought he started to play his best brand of football toward the middle to the end of the season. So we thought he really finished on a good note,” said Banks. “As you look at his body, you can see how it’s continuing to mature. He’s put on good healthy weight. I think the game has started to slow down for him. So you know we’re definitely anticipating a great year on from him.”

Young became one of the SEC’s top EDGE rushers in his first year playing for Tennessee. The junior college transfer recorded a total of 46 tackles, 20 solo, 5.5 sacks, and an interception. His 5.5 sacks were tied for the best mark on the team with fellow linebacker Jeremy Banks. Young sports a six-foot-three 243-pound frame, which is ideal for the hybrid LEO position that he plays. If the Volunteers star defensive end/linebacker has been able to add to his impressive physique over this offseason, he will be a monster of a problem for opposing offenses in 2022.

Tim Banks reveals offseason mindset for defense heading into 2022

In the 2021 season, the Tennessee Volunteers football program made strides in the right direction for most of the year. However, the team is not where they want to be just yet, at the top of the SEC. During a recent interview, the Volunteers defensive coordinator, Tim Banks, reveals what strides they have made on the defensive side of the ball and their mindset this off-season.

“So far, so good. The guys are working really hard. I felt really good about the spring,” said Banks. “Obviously, they’re working really hard conditioning right now, and we got some newcomers there. So, you know, so far, so good.”

The SEC as a conference has entered into an era of offensive explosion. Most teams have an offense that can explode on you at any given time. And unfortunately, Tennessee’s defense felt the heat from those explosions last season.