Tennessee getting plenty of contributions from the bluff city
Tennessee’s defensive line is playing at an extremely high level. On the edge, James Pearce and Tyler Baron as being extremely disruptive. But not to be lost in the production of the defensive front is the work getting to done in the defensive interior, especially from two Memphis natives.
Omari Thomas is an old veteran who knows the wears and tears of the SEC. Thomas has been a fixture of consistency for defensive line coach Rodney Garner.
Thomas has 15 tackles, 3.5 TFL’s, and a sack on the year.
“We really feed off each other a lot. We have really focused a lot this year on just playing off each other’s energy,” Thomas said. “I feel like that’s something we are locked in on and you can see it on the film. There’s still room for us to grow.”
Along side Thomas is fellow Memphis native Bryson Eason who is starting to put it all together. Eason also has 15 tackles, 3.5 TFL’s and a sack. Over the last four games, Eason has been the most productive defensive tackle on the team.
“I do think there’s been consistent constant growth from him throughout our time here with him,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said. “I do feel like late (in) training camp, early part of the season, the consistency of his mindset, being able to attack up every rep every single day has changed and continued to mature. And that’s why he’s playing the way he is. He’s become a really good practice player. You can count on him being consistent every single day. That’s led to his growth and him playing the way that he is inside.”
For Eason it’s about just the joy of the game.
“Just being out there with the guys I love and enjoy playing with,” Eason said. “I’m just trying to have fun. Football is supposed to be fun. It is a game. I know it’s serious and all of that, but just go out there try to have fun at the end of the day and execute to be the best version of myself that I can be for my guys.”
On the offensive side, Memphis native Jabari Small continues to play well in a different role. Small has 361 yards on the season and is averaging 5.5 yards a carry in a split role with Tennessee starter Jaylen Wright.
“I feel like I’m moving the best I have ever moved in college,” Small said. “It’s given me a bunch of confidence to attack each and every week to be consistent in who I have on and off the field. Being healthy has been a big difference to help me maximize every opportunity.”
