The "2019 Tennessee Defense" led by Jeremy Pruitt was an endeavor to reclaim the defensive identity of Tennessee football after several lackluster years. Pruitt, with a background in high-level defensive coordination at Alabama and Georgia, implemented a 3-4 base defense, emphasizing a philosophy of discipline, physicality, and adaptability. His approach was to build a defense that could staunchly stop the run while also applying pressure on quarterbacks, focusing on versatile linebackers capable of various roles including close to the line or in coverage. In 2019, this defense showed signs of progress, particularly in run defense, where they managed to rank in the middle of the SEC in yards allowed per carry. However, the unit struggled with consistency, especially against the pass, often giving up significant plays in crucial moments. The defense had its highlights, like holding UAB to only 3 points and showing toughness against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, but big games against Georgia and Florida exposed vulnerabilities.

Key players like linebacker Daniel Bituli and Kivon Bennett were pivotal, with the secondary showing promise through young talents like Alontae Taylor. Pruitt's recruiting efforts brought in a hopeful class in 2019, aimed at future defensive improvements. Yet, his tenure was marred by later revealed recruiting violations, leading to his dismissal in 2021, which somewhat clouded the legacy of his defensive strategies at Tennessee.

Despite these controversies, Pruitt's defense did lay some foundational changes for Tennessee's defense, focusing on discipline and a mix of traditional SEC defensive tactics with modern adaptations, making this playbook an intriguing study for those interested in defensive football strategy.