2017 Positional Previews: LB's

WHO’S RETURNING?

Pretty much everybody, sans one notable name. Replacing Jalen Reeves-Maybin won’t be easy, but Tennessee got a headstart on that transition a year ago, as the All-SEC linebacker missed nine games during his senior season.

Middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. is back, while veterans Cortez McDowell, Colton Jumper, Elliot Berry and Dillon Bates also return. Sophomores Quart’e Sapp, Daniel Bituli and Austin Smith look poised for rotational roles this fall, too.

WHO’S NEW?

Tennessee signed three linebackers in its 2017 class, adding 4-star Will Ignont, as well as Solon Page III and Shanon Reid to the roster. Reid committed to the Vols shortly after taking an official visit and enrolled early this spring, turning some heads as a potential contributor this fall. Page has the athleticism and frame to be groomed as a future JRM clone, as the Peach State native was a Parade All-American after a highly-productive senior season at Kell (Ga.).

BIGGEST STRENGTH?

Depth.

While injuries ravaged Tennessee’s linebacker corp in 2016, the Vols were able to build some legitimate depth heading into this season. Playing your third and fourth-stringers a year ago will do that.

If Kirkland is healthy — and he was confident about his body this spring — then the junior is one of the better inside linebackers in the conference. McDowell and Jumper aren’t dynamic athletes, but both veteran ‘backers know the scheme and have the coaches’ trust. Sapp returns from an ACL injury that sapped his 2016 season, and the explosive outside linebacker will push for a starting spot.

Bituli, who had a great spring, will fight Kirkland for snaps, but DC Bob Shoop said he’s open to playing both together if they end up being Tennessee’s top two linebackers by the end of training camp. While Sapp’s potential makes him the unit’s X-factor, Smith is another intriguing piece for the Vols. Tennessee now has the depth to play some traditional 4-3 sets, with Smith playing the SAM spot. Smith could also see snaps as a defensive end in some nickel, obvious passing situations.

BIGGEST QUESTION?

How does the linebacker lineup ultimately shake out?

We know Kirkland is a fixture in the starting unit. That’s really the only certainty though.

Heading into camp, McDowell likely has the slight lead for the WILL spot, but as noted above, Sapp will push hard there. Will Tennessee experiment playing Kirkland at the WILL alongside Bituli? We’ll see. How much Tennessee plans to utilize three-linebacker sets will be interesting to watch in August, too.

From a production standpoint, can Tennessee shore up its porous run defense from last season? Having a healthier front-four will definitely help, but the linebackers must be better at filling the right gaps and not missing tackles.