‘He’s a beast’ – Elijah Simmons setting the tone for Tennessee’s ‘violent and destructive’ D-lin

Tennessee’s big defensive tackle Elijah Simmons, credited with only one tackle in last week’s victory over Oklahoma, made an impact far beyond the box score. The 6-foot-2, 340-pound sixth-year senior set the tone early in the game, disrupting Oklahoma’s backfield on the first two plays. His quick penetration for a tackle for loss and collision with the running back set the tone for the Vols’ defense, giving the Sooners a preview of the challenge ahead whenever they ran between the tackles.

Although Simmons’ career has been marked by flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistencies have often limited his playing time. However, now down 15 pounds from last season, the senior is showing more consistency, and his performance against Oklahoma demonstrated just how crucial he is to Tennessee’s defensive front. Simmons, now healthy and in top condition, was given the starting nod for the first time this season, and his influence was felt throughout the game.

Head coach Josh Heupel praised Simmons for his impact, saying, “He set the tone with the first play of the football game – just violent and destructive. He played that way all night long.”

Simmons’ early dominance against Oklahoma, combined with the overall strength of Tennessee’s defensive line, allowed the Vols to limit the Sooners to just 36 rushing yards on 34 attempts. The Memphis native’s ability to hold the point of attack and occupy multiple blockers played a crucial role in the Vols’ defensive success. Simmons’ hard work in the offseason, focusing on weight loss and improving his vertical explosiveness, is paying dividends, according to both his coaches and teammates.

Teammates have repeatedly named Simmons as one of the hardest players to block in practice, and Oklahoma certainly experienced this firsthand. Defensive end Jayson Jenkins echoed this sentiment, stating, “Elijah, he’s a beast, man. Seeing him just knock people back and play violent the way he does, it’s truly a sight to see.”

Simmons’ physicality and ability to create havoc in the trenches will be crucial as Tennessee continues its season. His relentless drive and improvements in both conditioning and technique could prove to be key factors in the Vols’ defensive success as they eye more victories this year.

As Simmons’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet, it’s clear that the veteran defensive tackle is finally showcasing his full potential and emerging as a crucial force on Tennessee’s defensive line.