By Caleb Calhoun

Last year was the fourth time in five seasons that LaTrell Bumphus had to learn a new position in a new system. After committing to play defensive end for Butch Jones in former Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop’s 4-3, Bumphus switched over to tight end when Jeremy Pruitt arrived. He then moved back to defensive end in Pruitt’s 3-4 system.

Then when Josh Heupel brought in Tim Banks to run the defense, Bumphus had to move inside to play defensive tackle in a 4-3. Now, in his sixth year, he is in line to replace Matthew Butler at that position.

Bumphus finally gets to enjoy a season playing at the same position in the same system while coming off a full offseason to work at it. He noted how the stability has helped in practice this year.

“When you install new things, a lot of times the play might be just a little bit different, but for the most part, a lot of times, you’re doing the same things,” he said. “So if you’re able to group those plays up and together, it makes it a lot easier.”

In spite of his rocky past, Bumphus’ production has shown you don’t bet against him. When he moved back to defense in 2019, he wasn’t even a full-time starter, but he still registered six tackles for a loss, two sacks, a pass deflection, a forced fumble and 23 total tackles, 15 of which were solo.

His breakout year was supposed to be 2020, but in addition to COVID messing up everybody’s development, Bumphus missed the second half of the season due to injury. As a result, he spent last year trying to get healthy while also learning his new role.

Still, Bumphus had one of the 10 highest Pro Football Focus regular season grades of any defensive player who saw action on at least 100 snaps last year. He enters this year at 6’3″ and 290 pounds after arriving on campus at the 6’3″ 258 pounds five years ago. It’s hard for Vol fans to not be excited about his potential.

“Overall I feel pretty good, and I think as a team, we’re in a good spot too,” he said. “You’re always going to have your little beats and bangs every now and then, but I think we’re doing a good job as a team keeping our bodies in the best shape possible.”

It’s not lost on Bumphus where improvement is needed, though. As he said, this is a unit that lives off tackles for a loss, sacks and, as he calls them, negative plays.

Last year, the Vols had 34 sacks in the SEC, which was slightly below average. Upping that number is critical. For Bumphus, that requires winning on more third-and-long plays.

“I think a lot of times, we’d get teams into third and short,” he said. “Well that’s easier for them to manage, so it doesn’t really allow the opportunities to get the sacks and things like that since they’ll just be running the ball.”

Staying disciplined in the passing and rushing lanes is crucial to bringing up those situations. Last year, the Vols lost to Ole Miss because they let Matt Corral rush for 195 yards. A week later in their loss to Alabama, Bryce Young rushed for 42 yards, his best stat line on the ground all season.

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis had his third best rush outing against the Vols, rushing for 47 yards, and was on track to have his best outing up to that point until a couple of sacks late in the game pushed his numbers down. Simply put, containing the quarterback was an issue. 

“A lot of times, you know, your eyes can get big,” Bumphus said. “If your eyes are in the wrong place, you know, you can mess those rush lanes up, and all it takes is one person messing up those rush lanes, and that can be a big play.”

One huge benefit to Bumphus and the defensive line in general this offseason has been the experience they’re facing on the other side of the ball. The offensive line has four starters back, and Hendon Hooker’s mobility throws another curveball into that process.

Bumphus noted that the offense has worked more on slowing it down and clock management this offseason, which should help the defense in certain situations. What’s clear to him, though, is that the talent on the offense should prepare them for their grueling schedule, noting that the defensive line is getting the “best look” every time.

“I think when we get ready to play these teams, there won’t be any surprises,” he said. “We’ll already be ready because the competition that we’re facing during practice, you know, it’ll be the same if not better than what we’ll be facing in the game.”

Playing alongside Omari Thomas and Eijah Simmons returning to health should take some of the pressure up front off Bumphus. Da’Jon Terry and Kurott Garland add more experience on the inside. 

While all the talk is about how many sacks Byron Young can rack up, though, don’t forget about Bumphus in the middle. He’s proven in the past he can handle new roles. Fully healthy and with more experience, his final year of eligibility could be a major splash.