If the first half of preseason camp is any indication, Tennessee’s defense should be much better in 2022 than the Vols were last season.
That’s to be expected. Tennessee struggled mightily in 2021 on defense. Subsequently, the Vols turned to several incoming players from high school and other colleges to level things out. Tennessee had a stunningly good offense last season. Now, UT’s defense needs to hold up its end of the deal. So far, so good, according to Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren.
“It’s kind of tough as an offensive guy to say that (the defense is playing well) because that’s kind of like our competition throughout camp, every practice we’re going against them,” the senior said with a smile. “You obviously want to get the better of the other team, but just kind of seeing how they’re able to sustain drives (has been impressive).”
Warren is referring to the times in which Tennessee’s offense is able to run drives of 10 plays or more. Staying up to speed was a struggle last season – for both sides of the ball. Now, the Vols are better suited to play UT coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo style than they were before.
“The guys are still fighting,” Warren said, referring to long drives that the defense must weather. “They’re still out there running to the ball. Making tackles is obviously a very big thing for a defense and they were pretty sound on tackling and trying to force turnovers.”
When asked about what younger players may be standing out, Warren cited three underclassmen that have impressed him, beginning with freshman defensive lineman Joshua Josephs.
“The kid’s arms are freakishly long,” Warren said with a chuckle. “I swear he can touch his knees without bending over. It’s crazy.”
Warren said he’s also been impressed with freshman linebacker Elijah Herring’s progress and can’t help but feel encouraged about defensive lineman LaTrell Bumphus, who happens to be a good friend. Bumphus has played since he was a freshman when in 2017. However, injuries have often limited his availability and production. That bumpy history hasn’t stopped the senior from Savannah, Tenn.
“Truly just continues to show up and perform and be one of the leaders of the D-line group,” Warren said. “Everyone has known that he has been a player for awhile.
“He’s played a lot of games and played a lot of snaps but still truly developing and getting a lot better in his game. That’s exciting.”
All of the talk about Tennessee’s improving defense made Warren pause for a little bit. He wanted to make sure that everyone knew the Vols were more than adequate in Sunday’s scrimmage, which was the second of the preseason and signifies the midway point of preseason camp.
“We had a fine day,” Warren said. “It’s not like the offense got shut down, but it was good to see our defense getting ready and getting to that point that we want to see them at.
“At the end of the day, we need them.”
