Vols Football 2015 Offers: Linebackers

Oct 19, 2013; Knoxville, TN; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and linebacker Curt Maggitt (56) celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 23 to 21. PHOTO: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Butch Jones and his staff have offered out several hundred scholarships so far for the 2015 recruiting cycle, and last week we covered both the safety and cornerback position for you in an attempt to break down the extensive list of recruits the Vols are targeting in 2015.

This week, we move from the back end of the defense and move to the front seven, where the Vols are low on depth and experience this upcoming season. How has Butch Jones attacked these needs in the 2015 recruiting class?

To answer that question, let us start by breaking down the linebacker position in the 2015 class.

So far, Butch Jones and his staff have offered 33 inside and outside linebackers for the 2015 class, and only 11 of them have committed elsewhere so far. The Vols have made inroads with several top linebackers, and they already have a commitment from 4-star inside linebacker Cecil Cherry.

Cherry, from Frostproof, Florida, committed to the Vols over a year ago on June 14, 2013. Since then, he’s only gained momentum from recruiting services and is quickly becoming one of the top linebackers in the 2015 class.

Cherry’s stats speak for them self.  As a sophomore, Cherry registered 96 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble (according to Max Preps). At 6-1, 219 lbs, Cherry has ideal size for a middle linebacker and looks to provide depth and contend for immediate playing time if he signs in February.

Who else are the Vols targeting at the linebacker position? Here are some players in the middle of the defense that the Vols hope will join them in 2015.

All stats and rankings via 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

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