Tennessee Vols: Players That Will Break Out At Each Position For UT In 2017

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Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Darrell Taylor (19) celebrates after beating the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line — Darrell Taylor

Redshirt Sophomore

The Tennessee Volunteers need someone next season to step up in the absence of Derek Barnett.

Obviously no one will be able to replace the historical production of Barnett.

But a player like Darrell Taylor should be able to help ease the loss of the Vols’ all-time sack leader.

Another sack for #Vols’ Darrell Taylor. Second of the first half. Get used to that. Kid’s a really, really good football player.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) April 22, 2017

Taylor was voted by his teammates this spring as the Vols’ best defensive player. That’s a pretty big honor because these are the same teammates that played with Barnett, Cam Sutton and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. They know what it takes to be the best defensive player on the team.

Taylor, who had nine tackles as a redshirt freshman last season, should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact in 2017. I expect Taylor to be one of the Vols’ key players in 2017.

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