Three Vols Who Must Step Up Following the Departure of Emmit Gooden

The Volunteers defensive line took a definite hit on Thursday Night when news broke that veteran defensive lineman Emmit Gooden had been dismissed from the University of Tennessee’s football program after being taken into custody with a Felony Domestic Assault charge. Gooden, who missed the entire season last year, was viewed as a strength for the Volunteers prior to his arrest, as Vol fans were looking forward to the talent and experience that he brought to the defensive front.

Gooden’s departure spells trouble for newly-hired Tennessee defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh, who must now focus on shaking things up on the defensive line in order to make up for the loss of the former “Last Chance-U” star. However, despite the significance in the loss of Gooden, the Vols still have plenty of weapons along the defensive line, but they have to step up in order to cushion the blow.

Aubrey Solomon

Solomon is one of the most purely talented athletes in the country. As a former 5-star recruit, he had the opportunity to go anywhere in the country, eventually landing at Michigan to play for Jim Harbaugh. Despite the amount of talent that Solomon had put on full display when he was in the High School ranks, one thing kept him from achieving his aspirations as a Wolverine: injuries.

Throughout Solomon’s time in Ann Arbor, specifically in his sophomore season, he was plagued with bad luck. He only played in five match-ups as a sophomore, and would later announce his intention to transfer following the season’s end. The former Georgia high school star missed over a month with an injury in his leg, only to miss another game against Rutgers due to an illness before not appearing yet again in his final regular season game on Michigan’s roster against Ohio State.

The former 5-star hoped to get a fresh start in Knoxville, but struggled to adjust into the SEC waters during his junior season; finishing with 28 tackles and 2 sacks. However, 2020 could be the year Solomon finally shows the College Football world why he was rated as one of the nation’s most talented players, as he is now one of the most experienced linemen on the team.

Solomon played in 12 of the Vols’ 13 games in 2019, and started in 9 of them. If Jimmy Brumbaugh continues to work with him and he improves throughout the upcoming season, he could finally end up having an elite year at the collegiate ranks.

Darel Middleton

Middleton’s story is one of the best in all of College Football, as he overcame all of the odds to make his way to his hometown school. He played tight end in high school, and was selected to the All-Tennessee second team by USA Today. Since the Oak Ridge standout was in such close proximity to Knoxville, the University of Tennessee seemed to be the perfect choice.

However, the former Tennessee commit ended up being forced to enroll at East Mississippi Community College after failing to qualify. After two successful seasons at East Mississippi, Middleton had earned offers from Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky, among others; but decided to return to his home in East Tennessee to play for Jeremy Pruitt instead.

Middleton, who was now fully converted to the defensive line position at 6’7’’ 315-pounds, made an impressive splash for the Vols during his Junior season on Rocky Top; having played in all 13 and started in 6 of the Vols’ match-ups in 2019. He finished with 28 tackles, two of which were for losses, and blocked an extra point attempt that ended up sealing victory for his team during their rivalry battle against Kentucky in Lexington.

Along with Solomon, there is no doubt that Middleton has room to improve, but if he continues to exceed expectations on the field, there is no question that he can pay off dividends for Tennessee in 2020.

Elijah Simmons

Simmons instantly became a fan favorite after committing to Tennessee due to his massive frame and aggressive playing style last year. Despite only appearing in three match-ups for the Vols while redshirting last season, he was a big part in Tennessee’s win over Kentucky in Lexington, as the big man was a part of the goal-line set that stuffed the Wildcats for the win.

In high school, Simmons recorded 141 tackles and helped Pearl-Cohn win 4 regional championships during his entire career — in addition to picking off a pass and returning it 54 yards for a touchdown as a senior. The big man stands at 6’2’’ and weighs in at 340 pounds, and is universally accepted as a potential star given his strength and athleticism.

Despite his upsides, Simmons still has work to do as a red-shirt freshman and remains a “project,” but if he can take a major step forward in 2020, then he may be able to be a massive contributor throughout his future career on Rocky Top.