Possibly the deepest position group on Tennessee football’s roster is its linebackers. The Vols boast multiple starting-level talents with just two starting jobs available.
The projected top linebacker on the roster is returning senior Arion Carter. After his junior year, he declared for the NFL draft, but opted to withdraw his name and enter the transfer portal. Ultimately, the Vols were able to convince him to return to Rocky Top for his fourth season. He is coming off a year in which he notched 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in 10 games.
The projected starter next to him is Penn State transfer Amare Campbell. He joins his former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in Knoxville as the ‘quarterback’ of the defense. His familiarity with the system and on-field production should lead to a big year.
The other key piece that has starting potential is Edwin Spillman. He just completed his redshirt-freshman year and was fantastic. He finished with 81 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception on the year.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Running Back Signs Contract to Join CFL
Tennessee’s linebacker corps is much more than just that top three, though. Other notable returning pieces include sophomore Jadon Perlotte, senior Jeremiah Telander, sophomore Jaedon Harmon and redshirt-sophomore Jordan Burns.
“One of our main philosophies, or I guess our vision in the room, would be to create a culture that fosters to and embodies the academic, athletic and personal excellence,” Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge said in the spring. “So, it’s my responsibility as a coach to continue to mentor and lead them and push them to be better every day. And the one thing I think that we’ve had the opportunity to do is really get some good players in the meeting room. And when you have some good players, you can see some intensity through repetition of guys doing exactly what they’re supposed to do on a continual basis. So from our perspective, we’re just really trying to be the best at what we do when it comes to us doing our job.”
Tennessee also brings in a pair of elite freshmen. Both four-stars and top-five recruits at the position, Brayden Rouse and TJ White, will both push for playtime early in their careers. Rounding out the room are Grier Short and Ryan Scott.
