Tennessee’s defense has been ravaged at all levels this season.

Season-ending injuries to sophomore tackles Shy Tuttle and Kahlil McKenzie — coupled with the dismissal of senior Danny O’Brien — has considerably thinned out the depth along UT’s interior defensive line.

Jonathan Kongbo has shifted full-time from defensive end to a tackle position, and Charles Mosley has moved from the offensive line to help combat the lack of healthy bodies.

One player expected to make an impact was defensive tackle Alexis Johnson.

A highly-rated athlete from the JUCO ranks, Johnson has played in only one game this year. He arrived in Knoxville this past January — and was suspended from February to August. Johnson was accused of false imprisonment of a woman — although no charges were filed.

During his Wednesday press conference, head coach Butch Jones was asked about Johnson’s availability going forward.

Jones had a simple response, “[Johnson] is not anywhere close to helping.”