2005 Tennessee Football Defense Preview

July 11, 2005

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE ENDS

Parys Haralson

The defensive line stunned its detractors by developing into a team strength last year, a reversal of expectations due in no small part to the inspired play of Parys Haralson. It seems Haralson had listened to about all the negative comments he could stomach concerning the supposed shortcomings of the men up front. Colliding on the football field with Haralson, the Vols' two-year starting left end, is not recommended for the health and safety of opposing quarterbacks, who will undoubtedly note the school record 21 hurries ascribed to the one-man wrecking crew last season. The hurries were in addition to the seven sacks he registered. Haralson was at his peak when he traveled back to his home state last season, tormenting the Ole Miss Rebels with 10 tackles, including five sacks. Over at right end, things appear to be shaping up nicely with Jason Hall prepared to take over starting duties from the graduated Karlton Neal. In a part-time capacity last season, Hall accounted for eight hurries and three sacks. He nabbed SEC player of the week honors when he pounced on Georgia for seven tackles and a pair of sacks. Experience is in short supply, however, behind Haralson and Hall. Coaches will seek to find decent depth from a pool of players that includes Xavier Mitchell, Jared Hostetter, Antonio Reynolds and Robert Ayers.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
Jason Hall, Sr., 3L
Parys Haralson, Sr., 3L
Xavier Mitchell, So., 1L
Antonio Reynolds, So., 1L

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Jesse Mahelona

One of the reasons the defensive line fought with such fortitude last season was the presence of Jesse Mahelona, who began the year as an unknown newcomer and ended with All-America recognition attached to his resume. Mahelona doesn't settle for racking up a tackle after being shoved back for a short-yardage gain. His statistics show he doesn't even let a runner get started: Of the 42 tackles he chalked up individually or shared with a teammate, Mahelona was credited with making 18.5 of them behind the line of scrimmage. Justin Harrell, a junior who fills the left tackle post opposite from Mahelona, sounds like the perfect complement for the spectacular Hawaii native. Harrell came under the spotlight in the Vols' 38-7 thrashing of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl, winning the defensive most valuable player award. In UT's complete domination of the Aggies, Harrell forced a fumble and had a sack. Turk McBride over the next two seasons could join Mahelona and Harrell in the category of authoring big plays. Coaches have penciled him in as the top reserve on the left side, stationed behind Harrell. Jared Hostetter (also listed at end) and Demonte Bolden provide depth behind Mahelona, Harrell and McBride.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
Justin Harrell, Jr., 2L
Jesse Mahelona, Sr., 1L
Turk McBride, Jr., 2L

LINEBACKERS

Omar Gaither

The best news coming out of spring practice is that Kevin Simon is back to his old tricks, dispensing destruction willy-nilly from the middle linebacker position. Simon's rehabilitation is a tribute to the medical field's continuing advances in alleviating the ravages of knee damage. Twice in his UT career, in 2002 and 2004, Simon sustained season-ending injuries. But in the lone campaign he made it from start to finish without serious mishap, he was the Vols' leading tackler, decorated with all-star honors at the end of the 2003 campaign. Now he is again ready to lead the charge, advertised during spring practice as "better than ever," which indeed portends well for linebacker expectations. Simon saw his former responsibilities carried out capably last season by Jason Mitchell, who returns to the weakside position. At the other outside linebacker post, Omar Gaither is a highly regarded senior with all-star credentials as a second-team SEC coaches' selection. Gaither made an indelible mark in the SEC championship game against Auburn when he racked up 18 tackles. Only Jesse Mahelona and Parys Haralson compiled figures that outshone Gaither's 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Behind the starting linebacker corps, the Vols boast a battle-tested backup group. One young linebacker, Ryan Karl, was selected as the most improved defensive player in spring practice. Others seeking positions on the depth chart include Jon Poe, Daniel Brooks, James Turner, Jerod Mayo and Marvin Mitchell.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
Daniel Brooks, Jr., 2L
Omar Gaither, Sr., 3L
Ryan Karl, So., 1L
Jason Mitchell, Sr., 3L
Marvin Mitchell, Jr., 2L
Jon Poe, Sr., 2L
Kevin Simon, Sr., 2L
James Turner, So., 1L

CORNERBACKS

Roshaun Fellows

As sophomores, they may be short of experience at a position where normally coaches like to assign battle-hardened warriors who have two or three letters to their credit. But that's about the only thing that can be said negatively about Roshaun Fellows and Jonathan Hefney, who will play key roles in the secondary. Even better, they will have as their leader Jason Allen, a strong candidate to end his Tennessee career as an All-America honoree. After leading the Vols in tackles last year with 123, Allen was shifted from free safety to the more critical left cornerback slot. The impressive number of tackles Allen registered made him the first Vol since 1970 to claim the leadership in stops while playing a position other than linebacker. If personnel developments at some point during the season require Allen's return to safety, the development of Hefney and Fellows will make certain the Vols have two operatives at the corners who have been through the wars, even if for only one season. Hefney started at left corner last season, with Fellows stationed across the field from him. Both were honored by The Sporting News with freshman All-America selection. Hefney was the fourth-ranking Vol tackler with 65. Fellows had 38 tackles and was the team leader in passes deflected. The coaching staff can turn for depth to Inquoris Johnson, Jonathan Wade and Antonio Gaines.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
Jason Allen, Sr., 3L
Roshuan Fellows, So., 1L
Antonio Gaines, So., 1L
Inquoris Johnson, So., 1L
Jonathan Wade, Jr., 2L

SAFETIES

Jonathan Hefney

Antwan Stewart missed the entire 2004 season with an injury, but stepped up in spring drills as though he hadn't missed a beat. The hard-hitting junior is a natural to play strong safety, where defense against the run shares top priority. He was on track toward becoming a standout secondary performer when he sustained a spring knee injury that kept him sidelined throughout the 2004 season. As a redshirt freshman, preceding the injury, Stewart started at cornerback in five games, putting together a string of appearances that helped him develop confidence in his capacity to do the job at a level consistent with SEC play. His heads-up work in spring drills inspired hope he can return to top form. Listed on the depth chart behind him are freshman Sinclair Cannon and sophomore Ben Greene. A spring move also saw freshman cornerback starter Jonathan Hefney move to the free safety position in an effort to place what figured to be the top four secondary defenders on the field. Corey Campbell holds another key to an upgrade of effectiveness. The four interceptions he had last year, supplemented by a productive spring practice, likely will keep him in the mix and perhaps offer an edge over Jarod Parrish and Ellix Wilson.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
Corey Campbell, Jr., 2L
Ben Greene, So., 1L
Jonathan Hefney, So., 1L
Jarod Parrish, Jr., 2L
Antwan Stewart, Jr., 1L
Ellix Wilson, So., 1L

SPECIAL TEAMS

James Wilhoit

He hasn't done it with Florida, Georgia and Alabama linemen breathing down his neck, but spring practice signals were favorable toward the assumption of punting duties by Britton Colquitt. If that surname sounds familiar, it should. Britton Colquitt is the fourth member of the Colquitt family of royal and noble feet to lend his talent to UT. He was preceded by father Craig, uncle Jimmy and brother Dustin, all of whom performed to high standards. The freshman Britton can be expected to do the same. James Wilhoit, the junior placekicker, has delivered in big-league style during the two seasons he has handled field goals, extra points and kickoffs. His 2003 statistics: 10-of-17 connections on field goals and 44-of-45 on target for extra points. The coaching staff, mindful of Tennessee's emphasis on all aspects of the kicking game ever since the days of Coach Bob Neyland, wasn't pleased with last season's return game. Whoever returns kicks needs to bring them back at a better clip than last year's 18.2 average. Punt returns were equally unimpressive, averaging 6.1 yards. Gerald Riggs Jr. and Jonathan Hefney may have first crack at the return chores, both being experienced, but it won't be because they distinguished themselves last year. Riggs averaged 18 yards on kicks, while Hefney's punt return average was a measly five yards. The figures need to be padded appreciably if kicking is going to be an all-around asset for the Vols. Inquoris Johnson, who had a solid spring practice, should get an opportunity at kick returns. Handling snapping duties will be Adam Miles on placements, and Ryan West on punts. Holding for placement kicks will be determined during fall practice.

RETURNING LETTERMEN
DS Adam Miles, Sr., 3L
DS Ryan West, Jr., 1L
PK James Wilhoit, Jr., 2L

University of Tennessee Athletics