Vols Football 2015 Offers: Linebackers

1. Ricky DeBerry

In their quest to recruit elite defensive talent, the Vols have reached out all over the US to find game-changers on the defensive side of the ball. One of the most impressive and intriguing targets on Tennessee’s board is outside linebacker Ricky DeBerry.

Ricky DeBerry is a high 4-star linebacker out of Richmond, Virginia. 247Sports has him rated as the 70th best prospect in the country, and he brings both size and speed to a position of need for the Vols.

In high school, DeBerry played both outside linebacker and defensive end, which projects for him to play a hybrid role Butch Jones seems to relish for his defense. At 6-3, 255 lbs, DeBerry has the frame expected of an SEC caliber pass rusher.

Not only does DeBerry have size, but he has speed as well. He’s been clocked in at 4.6 seconds for his 40-yard dash time, which is impressive considering his bulky size.

DeBerry is big, athletic, and has the stats to back up his measurables. As a sophomore, DeBerry registered 55 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 inerception, 1 pass defended, a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick (according to Max Preps).

DeBerry is one of the Vols top defensive targets, and they aren’t the only ones vying for the elite linebacker’s signature come National Signing Day. DeBerry holds offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Clemson, Arkansas, and many others.

The competition for DeBerry will be a fierce one, but Tennessee won’t pull any punches in their quest to land one of the nation’s best linebackers.