Facing an offensive line as experienced and talented as the Oklahoma Sooner’s is a daunting task, but the young Vols defensive line feels that they are up to the challenge.
The Sooners’ front five consists of three seniors and two juniors, and boasts an average weight of 321 pounds. This is in sharp contrast to a very young Tennessee defensive front who averages just over 270 pounds, and starts three underclassmen.
“They’re really big,” said sophomore defensive tackle Danny O’Brien. “But we also do play Alabama and Georgia every season, so it’s not anything we’re not used to. Size doesn’t matter, it’s the effort that you play with.”
Tennessee was forced to replace all four starters on its defensive line coming into the year, but the Vols are hoping that what their players lack in experience, they can make up for with their quickness off the ball.
For the past two seasons, Tennessee has had, arguably, one of the most talented offensive lines in the country, and facing off against that highly-touted group in practice every day has helped prepare the current Vols for the task at hand.
“As a freshman, I went against Zach Fulton and those guys all day long,” O’Brien said. “It’s really nothing new to me, but it might be a little bit of an adjustment for the younger guys who haven’t seen this kind of size, but I think they’re gonna be alright.”
Life on the road: Focus and discipline is a key aspect of being successful away from home, but at a venue like OU’s Memorial Stadium that is easier said than done.
For many players on this young Tennessee defense, it will be their first time playing away from the comforts of Neyland Stadium, but the talented newcomers insist they are ready for the challenge.
“A lot of us older guys don’t even see those guys as young guys anymore,” sophomore linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin said. “We tested those guys all summer. It’s week three of the season now, so we look at those guys as part of us.”
Going to the No. 4 ranked team in the country is a tall task, and is made harder by the amount of youth that is on this team, but this challenge can also be a great learning experience for a young team.
“Over half (of the travel squad) will be making their first road trip ever for the University of Tennessee,” said head coach Butch Jones. “They have to learn what it takes to go on the road, and compete at a high level and play winning football, and block out all the clutter and distractions.”
Trying to remain calm, and not get too nervous is a big part of life on the road, but suppressing those nerves can be difficult taking on a team like the Sooners.
“I get nervous before every game, ever since I was seven,” freshman safety Todd Kelly Jr. said. “Maybe as I mature and get older I’ll be able to start eating my food, and not be as nervous. I always say it’s good to be nervous because you are anxious to get out there and make plays for your team.”
Officially starting: Even though LaDarrell McNeil has started 19 games during his time at Tennessee, the junior safety found himself in a battle for a starting position during fall camp.
In UT’s weekly depth chart, McNeil was listed as a starter for the first time this season despite starting in each of the Vols’ first two contests against Utah State and Arkansas State.
The Dallas, Texas, native is penciled in at the free safety position, opposite junior Brian Randolph, who did not start last week due to an ankle injury.
“LaDarrell has done a great job not only on the back end, but on special teams as well,” Jones said. “I think he’s really improved his game as he’s had more repetitions and more opportunities. We need consistency and a sure tackler at that position.”
