Utah State @ Vols: Curt Maggitt A “Full Go” & Other Notes

It’s been a long time since Vols linebacker Curt Maggitt has taken the field at Neyland Stadium.

Maggitt tore his ACL, nearly 23 months ago, against Missouri in 2012. His recovery kept him out all of last season.

But now Maggitt, according to Butch Jones, is back and ready to lead the team on the field, instead of leading from the sidelines. Jones said on Tuesday, during his game-week press conference, that Maggitt is a “full-go”. Jones also noted that Maggitt will be moved around a lot and said he “brings another element to our defense”.

Maggitt was listed as a starting outside linebacker on the Vols’ first depth chart of the season, but Jones said he would play some “with his hand in the ground”.

There’s no questioning the defensive intensity and leadership that Maggitt brings to the team. Even though he was a vocal leader last year, his presence on the field this season will help the Vols in way that can’t be measured by stats.

Notes: 

• Jones said he’s expecting the opener against Utah State to be a sellout.
• Jones said Cam Sutton has been very consistent as a punt returner.
• Jones said Pig Howard earned a starting role by “bringing it every day”. He added that Howard “didn’t say two words”.
• Dillon Bates was praised by Butch as a linebacker and said that everywhere AJ Johson goes, Bates is with him.
• Josh Dobbs, Evan Berry and Pig Howard simulated Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton in practice.
• Jones said the two-deep depth chart will be “on-going” and players that aren’t ready right now, may be playing in the next few weeks.
• Jones said the kicking battle between George Bullock and Aaron Medley is on-going and could come down to pre-game warmups.
• Michael Williams and Emmanuel Moseley are still very close and a decision hasn’t been made about which one will play cornerback opposite Sutton when the Vols are in the nickel.
• There is still no clear backup quarterback. Jones said the team has packages for both Nathan Peterman and Josh Dobbs. Jones said both players are still “pushing”.