Steve Strippling has played a vital role in Tennessee’s recent success on the recruiting trail. The defensive line coach has gained commitments from some of the nation’s top prospects, including Derek Barnett, who led Tennessee with 20.5 tackles for loss, a school freshman record.

Strippling’s success has continued in recruiting the 2015 class, gaining commitments from two of the nation’s best defensive tackles. Kahil McKenzie (No. 2 DT), Shy Tuttle (No. 5 DT) and recent commit Darrin Kirkland Jr. (No. 4 ILB) headline the Vols’ No. 5 overall recruiting class.

STRIPPLING’S TOP ALL-TIME COMMITS AT TENNESSEE

  • Four-star SDE Derek Barnett, Brentwood, Tenn. (2015 class)
  • Five-star DT Kahlil McKenzie, Concord, Calif. (2015 class)
  • Four-star DT Shy Tuttle, Lexington, N.C. (2015 class)

PRIMARY CURRENT TARGETS

  • Five-star DT Trent Thompson, Albany Ga. (2015 class)
  • Five-star SDE Byron Coward, Seffner, Fla. (2015 class)
  • Five-star WDE Josh Sweat, Chesapeake, Va. (2015 class)

SALARY

  • 2014: $385,000

NOTABLE COACHING STOPS

  • 2010-12: Cincinnati, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line
  • 2009: Central Michigan, Associate Head Coach
  • 2005-07: Michigan, Defensive Line
  • 2003-04: Michigan State, Defensive Line
  • 2001-02: Louisville, Defensive Line

HISTORY WITH TENNESSEE

Strippling joined Tennessee’s staff following Butch Jones’ hire in December 2012. The pair have worked together since 2009, including stops in Central Michigan and Cincinnati.

The Vols ranked No. 90 in tackles for loss and No. 99 in sacks during Strippling’s first season. In his second year, Strippling’s defensive line saw a drastic improvement, despite entering with a unit that returned zero previous starters.

Tennessee ranked No. 17 overall in tackles for loss and No. 18 in sacks. The Vols line should be even better with the addition of McKenzie and Tuttle, who could see playing time in their first seasons, in addition to several sophomores from the 2014 class.