Tennessee Star Defensive Lineman Daevin Hobbs Poised for Breakout Junior Season as Vols Count on His Leadership and Disruption
As Tennessee football prepares for the 2025 season with renewed expectations and unfinished business, much of the conversation has focused on the quarterback competition and offensive identity. But inside the Volunteers’ locker room, there’s an equally important anchor on the other side of the ball—junior defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs. Entering his third year in Knoxville, Hobbs is no longer just a promising young talent. He’s now the leader of Tennessee’s defensive front and a player whose performance could shape the trajectory of the entire defense.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound lineman came to Tennessee as a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, one of the crown jewels of a defensive-heavy class. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, flashing elite athleticism, strength, and versatility across the defensive line. As a sophomore in 2024, he took a significant leap forward, starting all 13 games and finishing the season with 38 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and countless plays that don’t show up in the stat sheet but made life easier for linebackers and secondary.
Now, in year three, Hobbs is no longer flying under the radar. Coaches, analysts, and teammates alike believe he is poised for a true breakout year—one that could elevate him into All-SEC and even All-American consideration, while putting him squarely on the radar of NFL scouts. His presence is a cornerstone of defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ plan to build a disruptive, aggressive front that sets the tone early and often.
“He’s a game-changer,” Banks said during spring camp. “His first step, his power, the way he commands attention—he’s one of those guys who offenses have to game plan for. And the best part is, he’s still getting better.”
Hobbs’ offseason transformation has only fueled the expectations. Known for his relentless work ethic, he spent the winter adding muscle, improving his footwork, and sharpening his hand techniques. Coaches said he came into spring camp looking like a different player physically—leaner, stronger, and faster. But the biggest difference, according to those around the program, is between the ears.
“He’s matured a lot,” said defensive line coach Rodney Garner. “He’s taking ownership of his role now. He’s not just out there doing his job—he’s making sure everyone else is doing theirs too.”
That leadership is vital for a Tennessee defense that loses some veteran pieces from 2024. Hobbs, along with linebacker Elijah Herring and safety Andre Turrentine, has taken it upon himself to be a vocal presence. Whether it’s setting the tone in practice, calling out alignment errors, or simply encouraging younger players, Hobbs has embraced the mantle of accountability.
“Freshman year, I was just trying to keep up,” Hobbs said during spring availability. “Now, I feel like it’s my defense too. Coach Banks and Coach Garner have challenged me to lead, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
That mindset has resonated across the locker room. Younger players have started gravitating toward Hobbs as a mentor, and veteran teammates trust him to be the heartbeat of the defense. Herring described Hobbs as “a tone-setter,” while cornerback Christian Charles called him “the most impactful player on our defense.”
On the field, Hobbs brings a rare blend of size, speed, and instincts. He’s powerful enough to anchor against the run but quick enough to pressure quarterbacks from the interior. Tennessee’s defensive scheme often relies on linemen who can create chaos and draw double teams, and Hobbs excels in that role. His ability to play both tackle and end gives Banks flexibility to disguise fronts and keep offenses guessing.
In 2024, Hobbs was often the most disruptive player on the field—even when his name didn’t end up in the box score. He consistently collapsed pockets, forced hurried throws, and redirected run plays. His sack total might not have been eye-popping, but his impact was unmistakable on film. And heading into 2025, the coaching staff believes those near-misses will turn into game-changing plays.
“We’ve challenged Daevin to finish more plays this year,” Garner said. “Last year, he was close a lot. This year, we want him to get home more often. And I think he will.”
Opposing offensive linemen have already taken notice. Hobbs has developed a reputation as a relentless motor with advanced technique, someone who doesn’t just rely on brute strength. He uses leverage exceptionally well, has a devastating swim move, and has become a student of film, studying protections and tendencies to anticipate blocking schemes.
His versatility also allows Tennessee to experiment more creatively with their fronts. In certain packages, Hobbs can slide outside to a five-technique or even rush from a stand-up position, depending on the matchup. Banks said they’re planning to use Hobbs more dynamically this year, unleashing him in ways that could stress protection calls and exploit mismatches.
“He’s the kind of guy you can move around to get the look you want,” Banks said. “And he’s smart enough to handle it.”
For Hobbs, the goals for 2025 are clear: lead the defense, stay healthy, and win. While he’s aware of the NFL buzz and personal accolades, he says his focus is entirely on helping Tennessee reach the SEC Championship Game and beyond. Last season’s 10-3 finish left a sour taste in the mouths of many players who believed they let some winnable games slip away.
“We’ve got the pieces to be great,” Hobbs said. “But we have to execute, stay locked in every week, and play like a championship team. That starts with guys like me doing their job at a high level.”
If Tennessee is going to contend for the SEC title in 2025, it will be because players like Hobbs have taken the next step—not just as athletes, but as leaders. The SEC is as deep as ever on the offensive line, and every week will present a new challenge. From Georgia’s NFL-bound linemen to Alabama’s trench monsters to the up-tempo attacks of Florida and South Carolina, the Vols will need a defensive front that can pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and control the line of scrimmage.
Hobbs’ emergence could be the key. With a strong supporting cast around him—including veterans like Bryson Eason and rising sophomores such as Tyree Weathersby—Tennessee’s defensive line could be one of the most improved units in the SEC.
NFL scouts are already watching closely. Hobbs has been mentioned on several early big boards as a top-50 prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, and a breakout season could vault him even higher. His combination of physical traits, production, and scheme versatility makes him a valuable asset at the next level. But Hobbs isn’t rushing the process.
“I’m not thinking about the draft right now,” he said. “If I handle my business here—if I lead, play hard, and we win—everything else will take care of itself.”
That attitude is emblematic of the culture Heupel and his staff have built at Tennessee—one rooted in accountability, toughness, and team-first mentality. Hobbs represents the new standard for Volunteer defenders: gifted, prepared, and focused.
As the season draws closer, expectations for Hobbs will continue to rise. He’s no longer just a promising underclassman or a piece of the puzzle. He’s the foundation, the disruptor, the leader. And if his offseason progress is any indication, he’s ready to meet those expectations head-on.
For Tennessee to reach its goals in 2025, Daevin Hobbs doesn’t need to be good. He needs to be great. And all signs point to him being exactly that.
