By Jimmy Hyams

HOOVER, Ala. – Tennessee’s defense struggled mightily last year.

The Vols surrendered over 30 points per game, allowed at least 30 points to six teams, gave up over 400 yards per game, and ranked 11^th in the SEC in pass defense.

That’s not a recipe for success. Or optimism.

But Tennessee senior cornerback Alontae Taylor has unyielding faith in a unit that couldn’t prevent the Vols from going 3-7.

“My expectation for this defense is really, really high,’’ Taylor said at SEC Football Media Days on Tuesday. “I expect us to be the no. 1 defense in the country in the run game and pass game. Interceptions, whatever it may be. Turnovers.

“That might sound a little cliché, but me being a leader and saying what the defense has done in past and what it could possibly do as for as improving, I wouldn’t sell us short.’’

Taylor’s bold comments come despite the Vols being hit hard by defensive departures. Linebacker Henry To’o To’o transferred to Alabama. Linebacker Quavaris Crouch transferred to Michigan State. Safety Key Lawrence transferred to Oklahoma. Linebacker Deandre Johnson transferred to Miami.

Five other defensive players left for various reasons.

“We got hit hard on defense by the transfer portal,’’ said UT coach Josh Heupel, who noted that the Vols brought in, from the portal, two defensive linemen, two linebackers and two defensive backs.

Not only will Tennessee have new faces on defense, the defensive coordinator is a new face: Tim Banks, hired from the Penn State staff.

So why is Taylor so bullish on the Vols’ defense.

“We had a lot of guys come back,’’ Taylor said. “We lost (cornerback) Bryce Thompson (early to the NFL draft) which was a big bust to our defense. But we’ve got really great corners that stepped up. Got more depth in the cornerback room. I have a lot of faith in those guys. … We’ve just got to get more turnovers and be more passionate in what we do.’’

Tennessee’s pass defense was porous a year ago, and anything but opportunistic. It allowed 15 touchdown passes while picking off just five passes. Opponents completed 68.2% of their passes – 13^th in the SEC.

How can Tennessee take a step forward on defense?

“It really comes down to confidence,’’ Taylor said. “We’ve got to make sure we’ve got good confidence in ourselves and fly around and know the defense and the playbook.

“This playbook is a little different than last year’s playbook. With that, we can play a little faster, play a little quicker, stay confident and fly around to the ball.’’

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By Jimmy Hyams

HOOVER,, Ala.– When Tennessee reports for its first summer practice Aug. 4, it won’t be in the afternoon.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel confirmed our earlier report that the Vols will engage in morning practices with players arriving at the complex at 7:30 a.m.

Heupel said when he arrived at UT, he had casual dialogue with the team about “things that matter most.’’

Part of the discussion involved practice times.

“Having done it both in the afternoon and morning,’’ Heupel said, “our players were interested in it. We talked about my experiences and our staff’s experiences with it and some of the benefits that come with it.’’

Those benefits outweighed the negatives and led Heupel to schedule morning workouts.

UT hasn’t had consistent morning practices in nine years.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey mentioned Monday that only six of the 14 SEC schools have reached the 80% vaccination threshold the league desires.

“We’re just below the threshold,’’ Heupel said. “It’s attainable for our football team as we go forward.’’

What is Heupel’s message to the players about vaccination?

“It’s an individual decision for everybody, right?’’ Heupel said. “It’s personal health, right?  I think you need to educate players to the benefits, right? And have a real conversation … about what the reality is.’’

Regarding Name, Image and Likeness, Heupel tells his players ‘’don’t forget why you’re here. It’s true when you’re 18 to 22 years old. It’s true when you’re 43, like I am. Don’t ever lose sight of what your priorities are.’’

Heupel said he expects his four quarterbacks to engage in heated competition this summer with some quarterbacks earning more reps and some losing some reps.

Asked about bringing in Michigan transfer quarterback Joe Milton after spring ball ended, Heupel said: “Competition is the greatest friend of any coach.’’

Heupel said Milton has a strong arm, is an accurate passer, is bright, has caught on to the system and has the mobility to beat you with his feet.

But that doesn’t’ ensure he will beat out Harrison Bailey or Hendon Hooker or Brian Maurer.

Heupel’s message to the quarterbacks?

“Go out and earn it,’’ he said. “It’s really critical your quarterback earns the right to be the starter. I think it’s important for the 114 other guys on the roster that they see the guy has earned it.’’

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