Tennessee's Rodney Garner identifies unexpected defensive line anchor as season approaches

The Tennessee Volunteers are heading into fall camp with a compelling quarterback battle, the kind that naturally arises when your projected starter transfers out in the spring. The competition is expected to be intense — and that’s a big deal for the direction of the program.

“I think that's going to be a healthy competition," said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs. "But I think it's going to be a pretty intense competition in that quarterback room, too. I think Merklinger, I think he got a taste and the thought of being the number one quarterback when Nico left. That week or two after, he was QB1. And I don't think he wants to let go of that. And then George went from, I'm not gonna play, to wait a minute, I'm in the competition. And then Joey Aguilar is looking at it going, well, I could step in there and be the guy at an SEC program.”

While the offense figures out who will lead under center, the defense looks poised to take a leap — especially at linebacker. The unit is already being talked about as one of the most dangerous in the SEC.

“What Josh Heupel and William Inge have built up in the Vols’ linebacker room is nothing short of elite. The top unit of juniors, Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander, are two of the most experienced and proven backers in the conference,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Sylvia wrote.

On the defensive line, Rodney Garner continues to shape the group into a wrecking crew — a trend that has held strong over the past few seasons. But this fall, an unexpected name is turning heads as a standout pass rusher.

“I’d say, just talking to those scouts, I think right now if we had to vote on the MVP of the front guys, I think Dom Bailey would win it hands down,” Garner said.

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The Vols will lean heavily on the defensive line this season — and now it looks like much of the focus will be on Bailey. He appears ready to step into that leadership role, with Garner expressing complete confidence in him. All signs point to Bailey being on the verge of a breakout season — one that could shape his future career.