Big Orange Report August 14, 2025

 

Countdown to Kickoff

In a little over two weeks, the Big Orange will open the 2025 season against Syracuse. The Vols have started contact work in practice and to this point, the coaching staff seems to be pleased with what they are seeing.

Overview (Defense)

There are not many positions on the Tennessee defense that are up for grabs right now. Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks and his staff are looking to build depth and several younger players are answering the call to duty.

The Trenches

Veteran coach Rodney Garner is not known as a man who will lavish praise on his guys, but he seems to be quite pleased with what he is seeing on the practice field. Garner's goal each season is to develop depth and keep fresh bodies on the field. Recently Garner complimented veteran Daevan Hobbs, a player that has battled through two shoulder surgeries and is now surging towards being a significant chess piece at the inside defensive end and also at a tackle in the pass rushing "rabbit package." Garner offered this comment, "He (Hobbs) is long, athletic, can bend and he can really run."

Hobbs fits into a group that includes all star candidates Bryson Eason, Jackson Moi, Tyre West and another player that Garner has complimented already this month, Dominic Bailey. Red shirt sophomore Nathan Robinson will add additional depth in the rotation up front. "He (Bailey) provides leadership with his work ethic and the way he goes about his business," Garner stated.  

Coach Levorn "Chop" Harbin has three guys on the edge that have the potential to get after the opposing passers. Josh Josephs has been slowed by a minor injury but should be ready for the opener. There is no drop off in ability behind the projected starter as both Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross are long, athletic and have a quick twitch at the line of scrimmage on the snap. These three Vols can also drop into the short zones and play pass defense.

The Second Level

Second year linebacker coach William Inge has been a true bonus for this football team. He communicates effectively and leads his guys to reach their full potential. His two veterans, Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander, are primed and ready to go to battle. Carter is a sideline to sideline defender and Telander is a downhill tackler that relishes the opportunity to blow up offensive plays and add the occasional blitz on obvious passing downs.

Second year man Edwin Spillman was banged up last fall but he is fit and ready to become a disruptive force for the UT defense. He is athletic and has a nose for the football. Two freshmen who were ranked among the nation's top 10 linebacker prospects, Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon, are looking for significant time on the field in the first two contests so that they can offer solid relief work this season with no drop off in production.

Back End

The good news here is that Boo Carter is back with the team and seems poised to start at the Star (Rover) position. He is a very talented young man and if his head is screwed on straight now, he has a very bright future in the SEC and most probably the NFL. Also, All American candidate, cornerback Jermod McCoy, is practicing with the team and seems well on his way to a full recovery from a torn ACL suffered in January. The only question now is if McCoy will play in the first two contests or if the staff will hold him out until the third game of the season.

At the other corner, junior Ricky Gibson went to work in the off season and added some muscle to his slender frame. Gibson came out of almost nowhere last season to establish himself as a reliable and consistent pass defender.

Veterans Jalen McMurray and Colton Hood, who transferred in from Colorado, could start for many D1 teams. Hood is also working at the Star position, giving the Vols a solid backup for Boo Carter.  McMurray can also contribute at one of the safety positions if needed there.

Senior safety Andre Turrentine is a skilled player who is organized and can be the "traffic cop" for the secondary. He has stepped up as a more vocal leader this year and frankly, is an all star candidate in his own right. Two younger players, Edrees Farooq and Marcus Goree, Jr. are slated to be the primary fixtures at the other safety position. Farooq made his move in spring drills and has continued to progress, learn and work this month.

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