Defensive front looking for more; tight ends prepped for more opportunities

Tennessee defensive end Tyler Baron is second on the team in sacks with four as the senior is healthy and playing the best ball of his career. 

Saturday, Tennessee’s defense faces another challenge as the Vols host Texas A&M. The Aggies are coming off a loss to Alabama and a day where A&M’s offense had some protection issues for quarterback Max Johnson. 

Tennessee’s defensive front has been productive all year. Against South Carolina they had five sacks and nearly two dozen pressures. Baron said he likes what the defensive front has gotten done but says there’s no much more possible.

“To be honest with you there’s so much room for improvement,” Baron said. “We have left so many play out there thus far. I really just focused on what’s ahead of us. I think we can play so much better. It’s about getting back to work this week and improving.” 

Baron certainly sees a challenge this week with Texas A&M’s offensive line. 

“They are a big group,” Baron said. “They do a really good job of playing behind their pads. They pass off games well. I think for us it’s going into it with the right mindset. It’s going to be a physical game.” 

Tight end Jacob Warren one of his most productive days against South Carolina with 3 catches for 26 yards and a touchdown. Warren was targeted a total of 5 times. 

With the loss of Bru McCoy, Tennessee’s offense is adjusting personnel with Chas Nimrod, Kaleb Webb, and Dont’e Thornton expected to take on a bigger role. It could also mean a bigger role for Warren as well. The tight end who knows the offense as well as anyone can play in a variety of roles. 

“I think we have proven if the ball comes our way we make plays,” Warren said. “I think that’s something that you look at as a positive for myself. In the past whether we have or haven’t gotten a lot of touches we have done our job and done what we have been asked to do. The moment our number does start getting called a little more, we are more than ready for it.” 

Head coach Josh Heupel indicated the tight ends will be a part of things and he’s looking for more out of them.

“The tight ends, yeah, they’ll be a part of what we do in the passing game. Need them to continue to come on. They’ve created some big plays. Some big plays that we’re close on, too, with them. So they’ll be a factor,” Heupel said.

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