Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses the Vols working on core identity during spring football practices.

Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks Discusses the Vols Working on Core Identity During Spring Football Practices

As the Tennessee Volunteers head into the 2025 spring football season, one thing is abundantly clear: the program is aiming for growth and progression. The Vols are coming off a solid year, but head coach Josh Heupel and his staff know that success in college football requires continuous improvement. This off-season focus is especially important for the defense, where the program has been working to build a cohesive and consistent unit that will complement their high-powered offense.

At the heart of Tennessee’s defensive efforts is defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who is in his third year with the Vols. Since his arrival in Knoxville, Banks has played a pivotal role in revamping Tennessee’s defense, a side of the ball that had been inconsistent in years prior. As Tennessee continues to work toward a championship-caliber squad, Banks has emphasized one key area for growth: building a core identity on defense.

In a recent interview, Banks opened up about the direction of the Tennessee defense and the goals for the 2025 spring practices. His message was clear: it’s about more than just teaching schemes and techniques. It’s about cultivating a sense of unity, instilling discipline, and creating a mentality that is tough, resilient, and relentless.

The Significance of Core Identity in Spring Practices

For Tim Banks, the idea of working on a “core identity” during spring practices is central to the evolution of Tennessee’s defense. Every successful football program has a unique identity—something that sets them apart, defines their style of play, and makes them recognizable. Whether it’s a high-flying offense, a hard-hitting defense, or a team that thrives on special teams, a program’s identity is crucial for both recruiting and performance.

At Tennessee, Banks believes that the Vols’ core identity on defense is about a combination of discipline, physicality, and adaptability. These attributes, according to Banks, will form the foundation of Tennessee’s defensive identity going forward.

“We want to be a defense that is tough, disciplined, and unyielding,” said Banks. “Our identity is not just about the schemes we run, but the way we play the game. Every player on this team needs to buy into that mentality: be relentless, be physical, and be prepared to make big plays when the moment calls for it.”

To develop this core identity, Banks is focusing on a few key elements during the spring practices that he believes are crucial to the team’s growth.

Emphasis on Fundamentals and Discipline

One of the first things that Banks has emphasized since arriving in Knoxville is the importance of fundamentals. For any defense to be successful, players must excel at the basic principles of the game: tackling, coverage, and gap responsibility. For Banks, these core fundamentals are non-negotiable, and he is adamant that his players must perfect them to create a successful and cohesive defense.

“We’re working on the little things that make a big difference,” Banks explained. “From tackling technique to understanding our defensive schemes and responsibilities, it all boils down to discipline. We need to be able to trust each other on the field and make sure that we’re executing the game plan without fail.”

In spring practice, Banks is putting the defense through intense drills that focus on these fundamentals. Whether it’s wrap-up tackling drills or coverage drills in the secondary, every moment is designed to build confidence and consistency. By focusing on these aspects early in the spring, Banks is ensuring that the defense will be prepared to handle the high-pressure situations that arise during the season.

Toughness and Physicality: Setting the Tone

Along with discipline, Banks believes that physicality is a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defensive identity. The SEC is known for its tough, hard-hitting style of play, and Banks wants his unit to reflect that. Whether it’s an overwhelming pass rush, a hard-hitting linebacker, or a secondary that delivers bone-jarring hits, physicality is something that can change the course of a game.

Banks is making sure that his players are not only strong physically but also mentally tough. He wants the Vols’ defense to have a swagger that comes from knowing they can overwhelm their opponents at any moment.

“We want our defense to set the tone for the entire team,” Banks said. “You watch the best defenses in the country, and they’re all tough. We want to be known as the team that comes after you, hits hard, and doesn’t back down. We have to be relentless in our pursuit of the ball, and our physicality should intimidate opponents.”

Physicality, however, doesn’t just mean hitting hard—it also means being able to adapt and adjust. Banks is working on ensuring that his players are tough in mind and body, able to handle adversity and still execute when faced with challenges.

Adaptability and Versatility

Another key element of Tennessee’s defensive identity under Banks is adaptability. College football offenses are constantly evolving, and defenses must be able to adjust to new schemes, formations, and styles of play. Banks emphasizes the importance of versatility, not just in terms of personnel but in terms of game planning.

“We need to be able to adjust to whatever is thrown at us,” Banks said. “That’s why we’ve been focusing a lot on versatility in the spring. Our defense needs to be able to handle a high-flying offense, a power run game, or a mobile quarterback. We can’t afford to be one-dimensional.”

This focus on adaptability is also evident in the way Banks is utilizing his players during spring practices. He has been experimenting with different personnel groupings, looking for ways to maximize the potential of each player while ensuring that the defense as a whole remains fluid and difficult to predict. For example, hybrid players who can excel in multiple roles—whether as a pass rusher or coverage defender—are receiving special attention during these sessions.

“This is about making sure that we have players who can wear multiple hats,” Banks said. “If we face a team with a quarterback who likes to scramble, we need players who can cover the pass and also be effective in containing the run. The more versatility we have, the better our chances of succeeding.”

Building Depth and Trust Across the Defense

Another major focus during the spring is building depth within the defense. Banks knows that in order to compete at the highest level, Tennessee must have more than just a handful of key players. Injuries, fatigue, and matchups will play a significant role in the success of the defense throughout the season, so having reliable depth is crucial.

“Depth is something we talk about a lot,” Banks said. “We need every player to be ready to contribute at any moment. Whether it’s the first string or the second string, we need to have trust in everyone on that field. No matter who is out there, we need to know that they can do the job.”

Spring practices provide the perfect opportunity to develop depth, as players who may have been buried on the depth chart in the previous season now have a chance to step up. Through these practices, Banks is finding new ways to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout games. He is also focusing on the development of the younger players who may not be immediate contributors but can have an impact down the road.

Player Development and Leadership

Banks’ approach to player development goes beyond just physical skills. One of the hallmarks of Tennessee’s defense in the 2025 season is going to be its leadership, and Banks is working hard to cultivate that leadership from within the locker room. He knows that having a defense full of players who can lead by example is key to maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.

“Leadership is something that has to come from the players themselves,” Banks said. “We have a great group of guys who are capable of stepping up, and it’s about creating an environment where those guys can take ownership of the defense. It’s not just about the coaches telling them what to do—it’s about the players taking pride in what they do and holding each other accountable.”

Several veterans are expected to take on leadership roles in the defensive unit, and Banks is helping to nurture their growth in that capacity. Players like linebacker Jeremy Banks and defensive back Kamal Hadden, who have seen significant playing time, will be counted on to lead by example, not only in terms of playmaking but in terms of maintaining the mentality and culture that Banks is building.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As Tennessee enters the 2025 season, there are high hopes for the program, and much of that optimism rests on the shoulders of the defense. With Tim Banks’ vision and leadership, the Vols are setting the foundation for a defense that can dominate in every phase of the game. The focus on core identity, physicality, discipline, adaptability, and leadership is setting the stage for what could be a special season.

Tennessee’s defense has the potential to be one of the most well-rounded units in the SEC, and the work being done during the spring practices is laying the groundwork for that. The challenges of facing elite SEC offenses and navigating the difficult path to a potential SEC Championship will require growth and perseverance, but with Tim Banks guiding the defense, the Vols are ready to embrace their identity and set their sights on the top.