Predict 2015 Defensive ranking

#1
VOLinNC

VOLinNC

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#1
In 2014 Tennessee finished
36th in total defense
65th in rushing defense
22nd in passing defense

My prediction for 2015 is
12th in total D
17th in rushing D
7th in passing D
 
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#5
#5
I think with the D-line we're gonna have putting pressure on the QB and Justin Martin hopefully shutting down the other side of the field from Cam our pass D could be great!

I think our rush D will be good or outstanding depending on if somebody steps up at MLB
 
#6
#6
Imagine if our surprise outstanding freshman player of 2015 was Kirkland jr.! ( think Cam in '13 and DBarn in '14)
 
#7
#7
Total Defense: 17th
Total Offense: 30th (substantially improved, but offensive line will hold it back from being truly explosive)
Special teams: 5th
 
#9
#9
If the stars align and we sustain no significant injuries, I see no reason why we could not be in single digits as far as defensive rankings go.
 
#10
#10
I'm thinking VERY good this coming year. Top 10 in the nation, top 2 in SEC. I think we'll be statistically stronger against the pass than the run, but that will be more because of our opponents (very capable run-oriented foes in 2015, while several look for new star QBs and/or standout WRs) than because of the relative merits of our own DL / LB / DB squads. So something like:

Top 10 overall defense // Top 2 in SEC
Top 15 rushing D // Top 4 in SEC
Top 5-8 passing D // Top 2 in SEC
 
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#11
#11
Good stuff JP I agree with everything u said.
Oklahoma will tell us so much about our potential on both sides of the ball
 
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#13
#13
dooleydiesel28 said:
That would be nice. Any chance Bates just takes over the middle or is his speed needed at OLB?
Click to expand...

Id love to have him at MLB making the adjustments cause all we hear is how smart he is, but with legit 4.5 flat speed I'm like u I think he's just too valuable on the outside. I'd like to see Weatherd in the middle if he has what it takes to make the adjustments.
 
#18
#18
I think we all realize that, other than predicting UT will be top-tier throughout its defense, there's no possible way to predict such variable numbers...even pretty far into the season. Nonetheless, OP, I'd say you're about as close as anyone can get. Let's figure the Vols' pass rush will be either first in the SEC or no worse than second. Puleeez! Barnett, K-Mac, Shy and KM, with built in depth at DT with those veterans filling in and Phillips, Taylor and Vereen playing a whole lot, we've got a consortium of beasts chomping at the bit to play. It will be hard to find a scarier two-deep-plus of foursomes to scheme against. Figuring Bynum's going to play a substantial role at MLB (He should surprise some people) and with Kendrick, JR. hopefully fitting in quickly, plus Jakob Johnson understanding his schemes far better than he did in '14, that spot isn't lacking. hese guys should stuff the middle against the Chubbs and Henrys out there. If that's the case, I'm hoping Bates can remain outside to further negate all those super quick SEC RBs, slots and slants with JRM and, of course, Weatherd. The corners are going to be pick six bandits and we're solid at safety. I'm sure bUTch will find a nickel or two who'll fit that role. Overall, I think UT's going to end up no worse than 3rd in the SEC defensively, and in the top 10 nationally. I'm an old fart, though, so I'm adjusting to the wrath of the DeBord doubters. I'll hang up and listen.
 
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#19
#19
Sameolvol, I had forgot about D. Taylor! I heard someone on Swain's show awhile back say he was their surprise player from the class. They said he was just an athletic freak. I'd be cool with him at MLB then if he out grows it move him down to DE.
 
#20
#20
13th overall, mainly because of run heavy teams like Arky, Geo, and o-bama.
Run: 17th
Pass: 5th (can't pass on you back, can't throw up ducks to Cam, and TK2. Bates will be as good as a NB in coverage that hits like a freight train).
 
#21
#21
Top 25 defense.
But they'll be top 10 in turnover margin.

Theyll get gashed by good running teams somewhat. But theyll be lights out against the pass.
We will miss AJ Johnson early on.

They will make a ton of plays but will have trouble stopping teams on 3rd and short...
 
#22
#22
LittleVol said:
Top 25 defense.
But they'll be top 10 in turnover margin.

Theyll get gashed by good running teams somewhat. But theyll be lights out against the pass.
We will miss AJ Johnson early on.

They will make a ton of plays but will have trouble stopping teams on 3rd and short...
Click to expand...

Not if they play the song
 
#24
#24
Huntland. Bates is a linebacker and will never play nickel. Little Vol. I think we'll quickly discover that AJ won't be as missed as some may think. What he delivered in the big hits was often negated with a notable lack of speed down the LOS, and that's going to be fixed by this upcoming 2 or 3 deep, no matter who's the next mike. VOLinNC. That's an interesting take on Taylor, but I think he'd have to beef up quite a bit. I dunno'. He's supposedly a load and a hardy run stopper.
 
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#25
#25
sameolvol said:
Huntland. Bates is a linebacker and will never play nickel. Little Vol. I think we'll quickly discover that AJ won't be as missed as some may think. What he delivered in the big hits was often negated with a notable lack of speed down the LOS, and that's going to be fixed by this upcoming 2 or 3 deep, no matter who's the next mike. VOLinNC. That's an interesting take on Taylor, but I think he'd have to beef up quite a bit. I dunno'. He's supposedly a load and a hardy run stopper.
Click to expand...

On Taylor's 247 page it shows him as 6'4" 230 so if he could gain 15-20 lbs he'd be pretty good size for MLB. His thread also says he ran the 40 in the 4.5's! That would be awesome to have that kinda speed in the middle. I just question if he could pick up all the calls he'd have to make. I also think Weatherd could be a good fit at MLB with his athleticism just dunno if he's got it between the ears. He's a Sr so he really needs to find to place on the field more than just an occasional 3rd down rusher IMO.
I agree with u on A.J. not being to bad of a loss. His speed hurt us a few times. I wish he woulda got to do the combine I'd be curious to see his 40 times.
 
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