Tennessee football’s defense has taken a 180-degree turn.
A season ago, it ranked in the top 40 in every major defensive statistical category. This season, Tim Banks’ unit is struggling to crack the top 100. Though the struggles are imminent, Banks is aware of what it takes to get through a 12-game slate.
“This obviously been a tale of some highs and some lows,” Banks said. “Some things we’ve done really well, and obviously some things you want to do better. But we got three games left. As I tell guys all the time, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. I think we made some strides. I think some of the younger guys have grown up.”
Much of the turnaround has been from loss. Tennessee surrendered NFL Draft picks James Pearce Jr. and Omarr Norman-Lott, while other big names, Elijah Simmons and Omari Thomas, moved on up front.
Factor in injuries, dealing with the loss of All-SEC tandem Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III at cornerbacks, and Banks is left with a depleted unit.
“I think you hit it on the head,” Banks said. “I couldn’t tell you exactly what we are (statistically) different than last year. I think at the end of the day, we’re coaching, we’re trying to continue to get these guys better.”
But even that does not seem to excuse the FBS’s 97th-ranked total defense, allowing 395.9 yards per game. That is a large tick up from 293.2 yards per game allowed last season, ranking seventh in the country.
“I think when you’re dealing with some inexperience, every week’s a new week,” Banks said. “Every opportunity is an opportunity for those guys to learn.”
And that inexperience has provided the opportunity for more to step up. Without McCoy and Gibson in the secondary, the Vols have seen true freshman Ty Redmond step straight into the spotlight.
His consistent growth has resulted in 563 snaps this season — the third-most on the defense — earning a 70.7 PFF grade as one of Tennessee’s primary corners.
“He’s a true freshman that has played a lot of ball around here, probably more ball than any corner as a freshman who has, at least since I’ve been here,” Banks said. “And we think the sky is the limit for him. Obviously, playing in the SEC is a little bit of a challenge, but I mean, Tennessee is going to really be happy they got this kid in a couple of years.”
The youth extends further to the defensive backfield, where Edrees Farooq has seized his opportunity as a starting safety. The sophomore has played 518 snaps, leading the team with three forced fumbles.
“I don’t know exactly what the stats say in terms of his tackles, but when I look at the tape with my eye, I know that kid’s getting better and I think his future is bright as well,” Banks said.
Through the inexperience lie the growing pains. Tennessee’s fundamentals have struggled. The Vols have been setting the pace for missed tackles, leading the conference in the category.
It has been a consistent letdown, but improvements in the department against Oklahoma have provided optimism for the remaining road.
“I’m extremely proud of the way those guys tackled Saturday night,” Banks said. “And like I said, at the end of the day, hopefully we can build on it. We have to build on it, to be what we want to be as the season comes down the back stretch.”
Another fruit of the labor that has been lacking has come from the pass rush, Tennessee’s formerly most consistent group. The Vols had been leading the arms race in the sacks department, getting home more than any other team in the country.
But then Alabama protected Ty Simpson, going without a sack. Then Kentucky kept Cutter Boley relatively clean, limiting Tennessee to a lone sack. But John Mateer’s escape artist antics failed him, and the Vols got back on track with a trio of bring downs.
“We had some chances on the edge, but, obviously, we compare a lot of it to what we did last year and when we rushed, a lot of those guys were part of that,” Banks said. “So, we’ll continue to coach it, continue to get better at it, but obviously we want to continue to go there.”
As the season wraps up, Tennessee’s playoff hopes have dwindled — but a pair of high-stakes rivalry games remain. Banks keeps his focus on the week at hand.
“Right now, this is a one-game season for us,” Banks said. “We’re doing everything we can to get ready to finish.”
