Fast start, good health crucial for defensive line

PROMISING PROSPECTS

So much was expected of defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie when he arrived last summer as one of the nation’s top recruits, and that’s still the case.

Weight management has been a chore for the big man, who’s down to 325 pounds after playing last season in the 345-350 range. The weight loss should enhance McKenzie’s conditioning and quickness, and the Vols expect disruption of opposing backfields to follow.

Despite not playing his senior year of high school, McKenzie made 24 tackles with one sack as a freshman. His role increased as the season progressed, but much more is expected now.

Shy Tuttle was ahead of McKenzie when he got hurt last season, but a significant injury has clouded his short- and longterm futures.

Kyle Phillips was the story of preseason camp last season, but the former five-star prospect never got going due to injuries and had his freshman season cut short by shoulder surgery. When healthy, he gives Tennessee another explosive pass rusher.

Second-year players Austin Smith and Andrew Butcher also are coming off injuries.

With Barnett rarely leaving the field and more experience ahead of him, it’s hard to tell how many snaps Darrell Taylor will get this season, but the redshirt freshman turned heads this spring.

FRESH FACES

The wave of preseason hype is cresting the highest for Jonathan Kongbo, the junior college transfer the Vols beat out Ole Miss, Southern California and others to land on signing day. The perception of Tennessee’s 2016 class changed when he hopped on board. Now he’s the player fans will be most eager to see and hear about during training camp.

“He’s as advertised,” Vols defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said last week.

Kongbo’s athleticism is obvious — he had 55 tackles and 11 sacks last year at Arizona Western College — and he’s up to 282 pounds. The added weight opens the door for Kongbo to slide inside on some downs. Still, though raw, Kongbo’s strength is his speed off the edge as a pass rusher, and the Vols hope he can take that role quickly.

STRONG SUITS

Tennessee has as much quality depth on the defensive line as it has had in some time.

Beyond Barnett, there are proven veterans. Corey Vereen hopes to build off a strong close to last season, and Danny O’Brien and Kendal Vickers were solid, unsung defensive tackles who can handle the dirty work. Role players like LaTroy Lewis and Dimarya Mixon are capable of getting the job done as well.

There’s young talent with the likes of McKenzie and Tuttle (if healthy) inside and Phillips, Taylor and Kongbo off the edge.

The challenge for Shoop and defensive line coach Steve Stripling will be identifying the combination that gives the Vols their most disruptive lineup for each situation.

QUESTION MARKS

Nearly every time he’s done an interview this offseason, Vols coach Butch Jones has been asked about Tuttle’s progress in his recovery from a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments. Tuttle only resumed running last week, and his availability for the start of practice (and beyond) is unknown.

With Alexis Johnson indefinitely suspended after being arrested in February, Tennessee could enter the season with only McKenzie, O’Brien, Vickers and Quay Picou, a 277-pound sophomore, as their only available scholarship tackles.

Tennessee’s defense becomes less formidable without Tuttle, and the Vols need his contributions.