Jeremy Pruitt updates status of Tennessee defensive line after Jonathan Kongbo injury
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Tennessee Volunteers upset Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium a couple of weeks ago, but they also suffered a big loss in DL/LB Jonathan Kongbo, who tore his ACL.
That means some younger guys and backups are going to have to step up for the Vols, and on Wednesday, coach Jeremy Pruitt addressed the situation moving forward.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Pruitt said the Vols have been changing their scheme up a bit to accommodate for a lack of experience at the position:
“We’ve got young guys there,” he said. “Deandre Johnson has played some, Darrell [Taylor] has played a lot. We haven’t played a lot of guys beyond that. Some of that has to do with who we’re playing. Lots of times we just play with one outside linebacker. Depending on who our personnel is, there has been some years at places that I’ve coached where we played nickel and we play with two outside linebackers and two D-tackles. It’s just about getting the best players on the field.”
As for the younger guys, Pruitt said one of the most promising players injured himself:
“John [Mincey] was doing really well, unfortunately he dislocated his elbow in warm-ups at the Florida game. He had played some up to that point. He came back last week and played a little in the game, so he’ll play throughout the rest of the year.”
Kongbo’s loss will be felt the rest of the year, but Pruitt and the Vols will try their best to make sure the position doesn’t become a weakness.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
