Freshman Files: Tyree Weathersby Fits The SEC Like a Glove
Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner has a sterling reputation for developing high schoolers into legitimate SEC football players. He excels in coaching young defensive linemen from the ground up, and when the Vols can trust him to develop who they land, it allows the coaching staff to take some upside bets along the defensive line. 2023 signee Tyree Weathersby was one of those upside bets, and he's already making noise in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Weathersby measured in at 6-5 and 260 pounds at Tennessee, a ten-pound increase from when he signed his letter of intent in December. He's been a physical marvel since he began playing football at the varsity level during his sophomore season at New Manchester High School (Douglasville, Ga.). Weathersby made his initial mark by using his size to his advantage, winning with power and athleticism before developing into a savvy football player by his senior season.
He likely plays the 5-tech in college, lining up on the dead even with the offensive tackle. Weathersby loved playing the 5-tech in high school and using a lightning quick first step to capture the tackle's inside shoulder. Tackles began holding him in high school, yet Weathersby worked through contact to get through the backfield. Georgia high school football is physical and competitive - you find out very quickly who wants to win and who isn't all in. Weathersby goes full-speed on every rep and routinely plays through the contact, dishing out some of his own.
Tennessee DE Tyree Weathersby during his official visit to Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 24, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Tyree Weathersby)
He's also a high-IQ player. Weathersby flashed outstanding situational awareness across all three seasons of high school tape - when it was late in the game and his team was trailing, he punched at the ball when he got a free rush at the quarterback. He doesn't over pursue his assignment; Weathersby analyzes in presnap, moves with his keys while the play is developing, and when he sees something, he sticks his foot in the ground and attacks.
While Weathersby isn't the most athletic pass-rusher, he does flash many athletic tools in run defense. His lateral agility allows Weathersby to break down in open space while moving left-to-right, keeping the ball carrier guessing while Weathersby is approaching at full speed. He combines that athleticism with the aforementioned strength at the point of contact, which should make him a competitive SEC run defender early. The coaching staff hopes to continue developing his pass-rush arsenal, but he already has a baseline foundation to achieve a productive college career. Tennessee wants him to come into his own over the next few years and make the leap, but they signed a really good player who could impact the team regardless.
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