› Pass rush top priority for Vols’ outside linebackers

KNOXVILLE — The transition Tennessee’s defense is undergoing from a 4-3 front to 3-4 alignment under first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt could be portrayed as a schematic overhaul.

But when it comes to the outside linebackers — some of whom were defensive ends in the previous scheme — Pruitt warns against making too much of what the group faces in adapting to a new system. Really, he said, it’s quite simple. “The first thing we’re looking for in an outside linebacker is we’re looking for a guy to rush the quarterback,” Pruitt said Tuesday.

Thursday at Tennessee’s fifth practice of the spring session, players working at outside linebacker under the direction of codefensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Chris Rumph included Jordan Allen, Austin Smith, Darrell Taylor, Ryan Thaxton and Deandre Johnson.

All except Smith are listed as defensive linemen on the spring roster. They worked with Rumph on shedding run blockers, and some were required to do push-ups because of unsatisfactory performance.

Though it is Pruitt’s top requirement, playing outside linebacker is not exclusively about rushing the passer. Players at the position also must help bottle up an opponent’s running game and defend quick offensive players who leak out of the backfield and into the flat.

Those things can be taught, Pruitt stressed.

What makes a player a natural fit for the position, however, is a natural ability to “get after the quarterback.”

“That’s what we’re looking for in our edge rushers,” Pruitt said. “Whether it’s an outside linebacker, 4-3 (defensive end), that’s all it is. We’re looking for guys to rush the quarterback.”

Playing the position will require some players to tweak their physiques. For instance, when Allen signed with Tennessee in February, Pruitt noted that he was receiving regular text messages from Allen about the progress of his quest to bulk up to 245 pounds from 230.

Others, such as Taylor, who was listed at 254 pounds on last season’s roster, could be asked to tone up for the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Pruitt acknowledged that, of course, there is a mental adjustment to playing a new defense and learning a new scheme. But as the Vols approach the end of their second week, he expects that part of the adjustment to be coming along.

“Usually it’s the second time through in the second week before they kind of start grasping everything,” he said.

Inside guys return

Redshirt junior inside linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. worked with Tennessee’s strength staff on conditioning drills during Thursday’s practice. Kirkland missed last season with a knee injury and had another minor knee operation recently, Pruitt said.

Another linebacker who missed the first several spring practices, junior Daniel Bituli, also returned Thursday. He spent the portion of practice open to media working with inside linebackers on the practice field.