Tennessee has proven players on its defensive line. However, that doesn’t mean those Vols can’t improve.
There is no questioning that defensive tackle Omari Thomas is one of the players intent on bettering himself and intent on pushing his teammates to do the same. His leadership was proven bona fide by being chosen to attend SEC Media Days for two consecutive years.
“Big O is an incredible young man,” defensive line coach Rodney Garner said on Wednesday after the Vols’ first donned full pads in preseason camp. “He’s a great leader. He stands for all the things that a VFL is and he’s a great young man. He does exemplify what we’re trying to be here and trying to get Tennessee back to the status that Tennessee is used to being.
“I think he’s done an outstanding job of showing those leadership skills. Now, obviously, he’s got to continue to elevate his game because, obviously, the better player you are, the better leader you are. So, we need for him to up his game and then all those things will even have much more meaning when he says them.”
In other words, a leader must be one of the best players on the team. No one is taking marching orders from a walk-on. Elite players make the best leaders. The Vols have those kinds of players on their defensive line. James Pearce Jr., is the ultimate example. The defensive end has been projected by some as the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I think James has grown,” Garner said. “Just searching for that consistency from him. I talk to him constantly about being the CEO of his brand and being consistent. He just can’t ride that roller coaster up and down. He’s very, very, very talented, and he’s very smart.
“He can be elite, but now he has to make sure he’s that every day. He can’t pick and choose when he’s going to be a pro. I mean he’s got to be a pro every day.”
The Vols have another pass rusher that could have a successful NFL future. Junior Joshua Josephs may not be as talented as Pearce, but he has continued to improve consistently since he’s been at Tennessee, especially toward the end of last season.
“Josh is closer now to what he was when he first got here,” Garner said. “Where last year, he sort of took a dip and, I guess, went into that sophomore lull. Where now, he’s coming back more energized, more focused (with) more attention to detail.
“I think he’s put on some really good weight. I think he’s improved his play strength. I think he’s improved his power and his explosiveness. So, I’m excited about this Joshua Josephs that’s here right now, I really am.”
