By Jimmy Hyams
During spring practice, Tennessee’s defense was short-handed.
Inside linebackers Daniel Bituli and Darrin Kirkland Jr., didn’t play in the spring game. Neither did safety Todd Kelly Jr.
Others were held out for precautionary reasons.
But at the start of August camp, almost all the Vols were healthy, including Bituli and Kirkland. And that’s got outside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Chris Rumph excited.
“Oh man, it’s unbelievable,’’ Rumph said, “to know these guys had a really good summer and seeing them out there running and lifting.
“So it’s almost like Christmas time. You get a piece of the puzzle. Or you get this part and just wait for the other part to come in, and then it’s finally here.
“I guess I feel like my wife sometimes when she’s waiting on all those Amazon Prime boxes to come up on my (door) step.’’
Out of those Amazon boxes have emerged Bituli and Kirkland. If both play to their potential, Tennessee’s defense should take a huge step forward.
Rumph has been impressed by Kirkland.
“He looks like he’s back,’’ Rumph said. “I know his leg (knee) is getting healthy. He’s stronger, he’s bigger, he’s faster. It’s like he never left.
“The team has done a really great job of saying, `Hey, I know what you’re going through. I understand, but you’re back with us so let’s go to work.’’’
Rumph said Bituli is doing “really well, I’m looking forward to seeing him play and his leadership ability.’’
Rumph said he’s eager to see how Jonathan Kongbo adjusts from playing defensive end to outside linebacker. Kongbo has lost about 25 pounds and weighs in at just over 250 pounds.
“Last year he got puffed up to play inside,’’ Rumph said. “I think he got out of his natural weight. I think he got up to 280 or 275. I don’t think that he’s a natural 275-pound guy. The weight that he’s at now is something he’s more comfortable with.
“His commitment level is high. He never complained. He just went out and did it. He’s like, `It’s going to help me because coaches say so.’’’
Rumph said he has seen improvement from Darrell Taylor (a converted defensive end), junior college transfer Jordan Allen and DeAndre Johnson, who has “shocked me a little bit,’’ Rumph said.
Johnson has battled through a shoulder injury.
“I wouldn’t expect him to do much and he showed a lot of toughness to go out there every day and compete with a bad shoulder,’’ Rumph said. “That’s what we’re looking for – guys who are going to be smart and play with some toughness.’’
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