While most defensive linemen have jersey numbers in the 70s or 90s, Drennon has settled for No. 17 — a number most associated with skill players such as quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.
“I’m skinny, so I don’t look like a D-lineman anyway,” Drennon said jokingly. “I wanted number eight, which I had in high school, but Coach (Larry) Fedora said no one could have single-digit numbers on the defensive line. So I just tried to pick the lowest number possible that was still available.”
Drennon said he plays with speed and finesse — two qualities often associated with a skill position. In 2014, he used his speed to notch 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, starting all 13 games in the process.
Defensive line coach Tray Scott said he has been impressed with Drennon’s attention to detail when learning fundamentals, such as being physical at the point of attack or collapsing the pocket.
But being an old-fashioned coach, Scott finds Drennon’s choice of jersey particularly odd.
“These days, these kids want to wear single digits. They want to be pretty boys,” Scott chuckled. “I love for them to play in big linemen numbers like 72 or 75.”
In the preseason, Drennon has been competing for a starting spot with redshirt junior defensive end Junior Gnonkonde. Scott said that the competition was close and that they’ve kept pressure on each other.
“He shows up every day, so it makes me practice harder,” Gnonkonde said. “I can’t let myself down, and he can’t either. We both have speed, and we both know the game.”
