It’s long been said that remaining elite is much more difficult than becoming elite. That is Tennessee’s challenge on defense in the coming weeks as the Vols look to make the College Football Playoff.
Let’s start with one simple fact: Tennessee’s depth on its defensive line doesn’t just help the Vols remain fresh throughout a game. It also creates for a competitive environment whenever the Vols hit the practice field to improve or the playing field to prove they’re worth the playing time they’ve been warranted.
“The depth of the room; the way we play the room, I think the healthy competition it creates that,” Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner said when asked how the Vols can keep their competitive edge. “Guys know that they have to play hard and they have to play physical or they’re going to be out and sitting over there with me.
“They got choices, you know? And every man gets to make a choice based off of those choices and how they perform. That’s what determines how much they play. They’ve been very good. They’ve been very responsive.”
Certainly, Tennessee’s defensive linemen have choices and can determine how much they play and how successful they are. Still, a solid football player can get lost amidst so many great linemen. Garner seemed unconcerned that the Vols’ defensive linemen could become envious.
“That’s the one thing I do like about the room,” Garner said. “I like to come in the room. I don’t feel like there’s any jealousy in the room. I think the guys really enjoy playing for one another. I think they have fun playing together and they seem to do a really good job of encouraging and critiquing and coaching each other and pushing each other where it’s not always 100-percent.
“I do think we’re making some progress in that area when it’s being peer led.”
Garner was clear when asked when jealousy wasn’t allowed. That came as soon as the Vols’ current coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, took over in 2021.
“This is what’s going to be tolerated and what’s not going to be tolerated,” Garner said of drawing a line between good and bad locker room culture.
The Vols’ culture is very evident among one of its biggest stars. EDGE rusher James Pearce, Jr., has remained content despite not racking up big-time sack numbers. The junior has just 3 1/2 sacks this season, but has never complained.
“If you ask James, just like if you ask anybody, I think he would have to be totally honest with you and say there’s room for improvement,” Garner said. “It’s not always about stats. It’s making sure that we’re doing everything within the system, within the scheme and making sure that we’re executing at a high level.
“Any time that that we can learn to put aside our personal goals and ambitions and put the team goals and ambitions first, then at the end of the day, they’re going to reap the rewards individually.”
That could soon come. While Pearce doesn’t have the sort of numbers that one might associate with a first-round NFL Draft pick, as he’s been projected, he’s had an impact on the game, often opening up plays for other teammates.
Dominic Bailey had only 1/2 of a sack in four previous seasons at Tennessee. With five games remaining, the senior has two sacks this season.
“He’s a young man that wasn’t given anything, especially by me,” Garner said. “When I first got here I had question marks about Dom…He’s a kid that has really bought into what we’re doing and how we want to go about things. He changed his work ethic. He changed his attitude. He’s doing those little things.
“And he’s worked himself into being a pretty good football player. And I still think there’s even more room for it for him to grow. And I think it’s important to him. He shows up to work every day. He has a good attitude and I think he’s made of the right stuff.”
No one thought that Bailey would have two sacks this season heading into the matchup with Kentucky on Saturday in Neyland Stadium at 7:45 EST. Now, he’s part of a group that keep pushing each other for more and more.
