Tim Banks gives update on changes Tyler Baron has made ahead of 2022 season

The Tennessee Volunteers and defensive coordinator Tim Banks are looking for a big year out of their defensive front seven. And of those guys on the frontline, Banks is looking ahead to his linebackers Tyler Baron and Byron Young’s performances this year. During a recent interview, the Volunteers coach gave an update on changes Baron has made ahead of the 2022 season.

“Tyler (Baron) obviously battled through some injuries, things of that nature. But I thought he had a really good spring,” said Banks. “When you look at his body, you could see how it’s changed. It looks a lot stronger. He’s definitely comfortable in the system.”

Baron put up decent numbers last season for the Volunteers defense. The junior linebacker was not a consistent starter, only starting in five games but played in all 13 games for Tennessee. Baron finished the year with 30 tackles, eight solo, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and two pass breakups. The six-foot-five Tennessee native will be looking to build off of his sophomore season as he competes with Young and Jermey Banks for sacks leader in 2022.

Banks gives update on changes Byron Young has made ahead of 2022 season

The Tennessee Volunteers defense lost a few key contributors from last year’s squads, like defensive back Alontae Taylor who was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. But the Volunteers do have a few defensive studs coming back for the 2022 campaign. One of those is preseason all-SEC first-teamer, Byron Young. During a recent interview, Tennessee’s defensive coordinator Tim Banks gives an update on changes Byron Young has made ahead of the 2022 season.

“We thought he started to play his best brand of football toward the middle to the end of the season. So we thought he really finished on a good note,” said Banks. “As you look at his body, you can see how it’s continuing to mature. He’s put on good healthy weight. I think the game has started to slow down for him. So you know we’re definitely anticipating a great year on from him.”

Young became one of the SEC’s top edge rushers in his first year playing for Tennessee. The junior college transfer recorded a total of 46 tackles, 20 solo, 5.5 sacks, and an interception. His 5.5 sacks were tied for the best mark on the team with fellow linebacker Jeremy Banks. Young sports a six-foot-three 243 pounds frame, which is ideal for the hybrid Leo position that he plays. If the Volunteers star defensive end/linebacker has been able to add to his impressive physique over this offseason, he will be a monster of a problem for opposing offenses in 2022.