There is a new defensive line coach in Knoxville, as Tracy Rocker’s move to South Carolina brings in former Colorado defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh as his replacement.
Rocker was brought to Tennessee when Jeremy Pruitt was hired before the 2018 season, and had just one season to work with senior defensive tackle Shy Tuttle.
Tuttle commented on Rocker’s departure on Monday, praising his former position coach.
Only had Coach Rocker for a year but easily one of my favorite coaches. Great teacher
— Shy Tuttle (@KingTut_90) February 10, 2020
Tuttle saw a spike in virtually every element of his game under Rocker’s tutelage. Playing in all twelve regular season games for the first time in his career, Tuttle finished 2018 with a career-best 33 total tackles, along with his first career sack against West Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound run-stopper even intercepted a pass in his senior season against South Carolina.
Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Tuttle was signed by the New Orleans Saints and enjoyed a successful rookie campaign that included 18 total tackles, two sacks and an interception.