Tennessee's 2014 D-line class just a memory
If things stayed on schedule, this would be a big spring for Tennessee's senior defensive linemen.
New position coach Brady Hoke would have inherited a battle-tested group of veterans from the heralded 2014 signing class.
The scheduled timeline, however, went haywire. Hoke inherits zero from the Class of 2014. Zero.
Tennessee's 2014 class received considerable national attention and rightly so. For one thing it had 32 signees.
For another, it was chock full of four-star recruits – 16 of them according to 247Sports, which ranked the class seventh nationally.
The biggest position group in the class was defensive linemen, eight strong. Now, in spring practice 2017, it's zero strong.
Here's why:
Derek Barnett was so good for three seasons he's off to the NFL.
Owen Williams delivered exactly what you hope for in a junior college signee. He was a key contributor for two seasons.
Jashon Robertson has been good for three seasons and will be back for a fourth – as an offensive lineman. Robertson started his UT career at defensive tackle in fall camp of 2014. After a few days he moved to guard and has been a fixture ever since.
Dimarya Mixon never started but lettered three seasons before being dismissed last month. The Vols could have used him.
Charles Mosley was derailed by a car accident before he ever played a game. His career, spent in the shadows on both offensive and defensive lines, is over. There won't be any feel-good big finish.
Dewayne Hendrix, a four-star prospect, transferred to Pittsburgh early on.
Michael Sawyers was dismissed early on.
Joe Henderson was sidelined by academics and never played.
That's all, folks.
As a result, the Vols are thin on the defensive line this spring. Fortunately for Hoke and defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, UT has recruited well at the position since 2014.
If Class of 2015 studs Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle can stay healthy, the Vols' run defense has a chance to be stout. If Class of 2016 junior-college ace Jonathan Kongbo finds traction, the Vols have a disruptive force at end. If Kyle Phillips, Quay Picou and Darrell Taylor blossom, there are three more reasons the Class of 2015 could be remembered for its D-line catch.
Lots of ifs to factor in figuring out how the 2017 defense might shape up. Wouldn't it be reassuring to have a couple of those '14 guys around with three years in the trenches (and the weight room) on their resumes?
It would be only if they could contribute. Mixon is the one guy with a track record. Robertson is obviously at home on the other side of the line of scrimmage. No point messing with that.
Neither Sawyers nor Henderson have emerged elsewhere. Hendrix won a starting job at Pitt last fall then suffered a season-ending injury in the opener.
The Class of 2014, aka The Legacy Class, has suffered considerable attrition. That was to be expected when you bring in 32 guys. Josh Malone has left for the NFL draft. Juco signees Von Pearson and Chris Weatherd played out their eligibility.
Aaron Medley, Ethan Wolf and Coleman Thomas are returning starters, as is Robertson.
Four linebackers are still around: Cortez McDowell, Dillon Bates, Elliott Berry and Jakob Johnson, who is now a tight end.
The best retention has been in the secondary. Todd Kelly Jr., Emmanuel Moseley, Rashaan Gaulden and Evan Berry have all been major contributors.
But over in the defensive line room, the Class of 2014 is already just a memory. Will it matter? Stay tuned.
Mike Strange may be reached at mike.strange@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at Strangemike44.