Linebackers
This was one of the more consistent units for the entire season. While they hit some bumps early on, the linebackers really found their stride once Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Darrin Kirkland Jr. became the main duo of the unit. Reeves-Maybin especially had a great season, leading the team with 105 total tackles and 14 tackles for a loss while adding six sacks as well. Kirkland Jr. tallied 66 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and three sacks as a freshman. He also had an interception.
The rest of the unit filled in when necessary, but those two were the main forces at linebacker. And they did a good job at limiting big plays, especially in the run game, as the Vols allowed 17 fewer rushing yards per game in 2015 than they did last season. A lack of big plays and big stops early on hurt the group, but overall it was a solid season for Tennessee’s linebackers.
Final Grades:
Daniel: B
Nathanael: B
Stephen: B+
Average Grade: B
