Tyree Weathersby’s role on Tennessee’s defensive front is changing.
The physical growth is apparent. So is the expectation that comes with it.
After serving primarily as a rotational piece earlier in his career, Weathersby is being asked to become a more consistent presence for a Tennessee defense. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner said that means more than simply making plays.
“Tyree has had a, I would say, a pretty good camp, but, you know, still just consistency, taking that next step as a leader,” Garner said.
That leadership is already showing up to his teammates.
Mariyon Dye described Weathersby as a “real big passion guy” who helps get the team motivated. For Dye, one of Tennessee’s younger defensive linemen, Weathersby has also become someone to learn from.
“That’s like a big brother to me,” Dye said. “So just taking all the pieces from him I can and try to help him as much as I can, has been great.”
Some of those lessons have come through the details of playing along the defensive front.
“First step things, locking out, using my length,” Dye said.
Dye has also seen a change in Weathersby’s explosiveness.
“He’s definitely way more explosive, his get off has gotten crazy,” Dye said.
That development comes as Tennessee asks more from the senior. Garner said the Vols are expecting significantly more than they did when Weathersby was primarily a rotational player. He also wants veterans such as Weathersby to take greater ownership of a defensive front working through inconsistency during preseason camp.
LEOs coach Andrew Jackson sees the same opportunity.
“He’s got jumper cables in his hands,” Jackson said of Weathersby’s aggressive playing style.
For Jackson, the next step is channeling that ability consistently. He said keeping Weathersby healthy and focused is important, but so is spreading his approach throughout the room.
“He’s got to be super consistent, right? Because he’s got guys looking at him,” Jackson said.
Dye’s perspective suggests that process has already started.
The younger defensive lineman sees a more explosive player, but also an older teammate willing to teach and provide energy. Those are qualities Tennessee needs as its defensive front searches for dependable leaders.
Weathersby’s challenge now is making them show up every day.
