Tennessee’s defense is trying to find its footing under new coordinator Jim Knowles, and the biggest puzzle might not be at linebacker, where the Volunteers are loaded. It’s on the edge, where the depth chart has a much thinner look after the departure of Chaz Coleman, who was expected to be a major difference maker within the front seven.
Tulane transfer Jordan Norman is the name to watch at the LEO spot. He’ll likely start and handle most of the snaps there, but the real issue is what comes after him. That’s where Knowles may have to get creative.
Arion Carter says one answer could come from Tennessee’s deepest position group.
“It’s extremely deep,” senior linebacker Arion Carter said. “We have at least five to seven guys who can be in a rotation and play. That’s the beauty of it.”
Carter is at the top of the linebacker group with Penn State transfer Amare Campbell. Jeremiah Telander is back, Edwin Spillman returns, and Jadon Perlotte is another name ready to push forward.
Jaedon Harmon and Jordan Burns are also in line for depth roles, while true freshmen T.J. White and Braydon Rouse drew attention in the spring.
“I trust coach Knowles and our defensive staff to put the right people on the field and put us in the right position to make plays,” Jeremiah Telander said. “We have talked across the board. We gotta go earn it, learn it and take it.”
That kind of depth gives Tennessee options. Carter, listed at 6-1 and 238 pounds, has the build to take on more.
Perlotte, at 6-4, brings the kind of quick-twitch traits that can translate to rushing the passer. White and Rouse, listed at 6-2 and 6-3, add length and athleticism that could be useful in certain spots.
Tennessee also has Christian Gass, Marion Dye and several young freshmen who will be part of the mix. Still, the idea of pulling from the linebacker room and cross-training some of those athletes at edge makes sense if the Volunteers want to build enough depth and maybe uncover a couple of difference makers.
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