Tennessee Coaches Press Defensive Line for Consistency as Camp Reveals Flashes, Not Answers

Overview

• Defensive line coach Rodney Garner said Wednesday that the unit has been inconsistent in mid‑August practices and urged players to stop having 'roller coaster' days and instead show steady improvement.
• Two transfers — Penn State's Xavier Gilliam and Tulane's Jordan Norman — have stood out in camp with regular production and coaching praise, but Garner wants them to become more vocal leaders.
• The LEO edge‑rush spot remains unresolved after offseason departures, with coaches evaluating Kedric Golston II, Christian Gass, Hezekiah Harris and others for a role that is vital to replacing lost pass‑rush production.
• Senior Tyree Weathersby has provided the most consistent play through camp while several other linemen have shown only occasional flashes that coaches want turned into sustained performance.
• Coaches plan to use game‑like reps in an upcoming scrimmage to set the pecking order, and the results will shape Tennessee's early‑season pass rush and who takes on leadership responsibilities up front.