Vols Football: Projecting Depth Chart at Start of Fall Camp

Linebackers

Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson (17) scrambles away from Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) in the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Starters: Curt Maggitt, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Kenny Bynum

Backups: Chris Weatherd Gavin Bryant, Dillon Bates, Darrin Kirkland Jr.

Two of these linebackers are assured starting spots. Middle linebacker and the whole 2nd team, however, are completely up for grabs.

Curt Maggitt should be an outside linebacker when he’s not lining up at defensive end, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin is guaranteed the other outside linebacker position. The only starting vacancy is at middle linebacker, and the spring didn’t settle that opening.

Kenny Bynum may have the edge for now because he understands the defense the most, but Gavin Bryant, Dillon Bates, and freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. all will vie for that one spot in the fall. Kirkland could not participate in the spring because he was recovering from surgery, but he has the talent and mentality to be an instant threat to start and earn playing time.

Chris Weatherd is a major wildcard in this unit, as he has proven he has the skill be an effective pass rusher for the Vols last season. But finding a spot for him to consistently play will be difficult since he doesn’t have the skill set to fit in at the middle linebacker position.

Cortez McDowell and Colton Jumper both had solid springs, and Quart’e Sapp will join the team in the fall, adding much needed depth to this unit.