Vols Football: 5 Most Important Returning Players in 2015

Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Curt Maggitt (56) during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

4. Curt Maggitt, Linebacker/Defensive End

Before 2014, Curt Maggitt had been plagued by injuries for most of his college career. Some were beginning to wonder whether or not the former 4-star was going to pan out for the Vols.

After he redshirted in 2013, Maggitt returned in 2014 healthier than ever and ready to contribute. And contribute he did.

For the first time in his career, Maggitt didn’t miss a game, and he recorded 48 tackles, 11 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, and forced a fumble. His 11 sacks were a team high, and they were good for 3rd best in the SEC.

Maggitt flourished in his hybrid role in 2014, playing both defensive end and linebacker for the Vols. Tennessee has been in desperate need of a legitimate pass rush for several years, and Maggitt was one of the biggest reasons the Vols’ defense was able to wreak more havoc this past season.

Now a senior, Maggitt will look to build upon his stellar junior season and will likely be the captain of Tennessee’s defense. He’s poised for another solid year, and he could end his collegiate career as one of the more successful and feared pass rushers the Vols have had.