The Tennessee defensive coaching staff has been thrown their fair share of curveballs this season. First it was senior defensive tackle Emmit Gooden losing his season in camp. Then it was a spine issue for senior nickelback Baylen Buchanan. Next is was a knee procedure for senior linebacker Daniel Bituli during the week of the Georgia State game.
What now? Well, inside linebackers Will Ignont and Shanon Reid have since left the program and Jeremy Banks has been kicked off the team. You’ll have to forgive first year defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley if his defense doesn’t take a step forward this year.