Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach on Jan. 27.
Heupel hired Tim Banks as his defensive coordinator at Tennessee on Feb. 15.
Banks showcases a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which is built to defend against spread offenses.
His scheme uses two defensive tackles and a pair of defensive ends. Pressure from Banks’ defense will come upfront.
Linebackers are asked to stop the run, while being responsible for covering tight ends and slot wide receivers.
Banks’ defense will feature two safeties and two cornerbacks.
A STAR position is added to the defensive rotation, providing a hybrid linebacker/safety role to complete a 4-2-5 look.
At Tennessee, Banks could also mix in a 3-3-5 look at times with a hybrid defensive end/linebacker.
Some of the split safety coverage looks from last year’s Tennessee team with similar terminology could remain intact, providing a full defensive depth chart projection.
Ahead of spring practices and the 2021 season, which is scheduled to start Sept. 4 against Bowling Green at Neyland Stadium, Vols Wire takes a look at Tennessee’s projected defensive depth chart.
Projections are based off returning players, signees, incoming transfers, student-athletes that have not departed Tennessee from the NCAA transfer portal and 2020 seniors that can compete with an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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NEXT: Tennessee’s 2021 defensive depth chart projection (Defensive line)