Five Vols Who Might Leave Early For NFL
By Zach Ragan
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
5. Jalen Reeves-Maybin — Junior — Linebacker
Perhaps the most important player on the defensive side of the ball for Tennessee is linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
JRM is another player that was an under-the-radar player when he was signed, but he quickly made an impact on special teams during his freshman season.
The Tennessee native was inserted into the starting lineup as a sophomore and the rest is history.
JRM started all 13 games for the Vols last season and finished with 101 tackles (tied for first on team).
Of all the players on this list, Reeves-Maybin is the most likely to stay for all four seasons at Tennessee.
That’s because it’s unclear what position he would play at the next level. He could end up at safety, instead of outside linebacker.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a player that Tennessee needs to keep around for his full eligibility. There’s no doubt that he’s the leader of the Vols’ defense right now.