Tennessee football Smokey points: Top 5 Vols who performed vs. Georgia Tech

Yep, there’s another defensive player who earned the right to be on this list. And he’s another guy who just burst onto the sam.

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Daniel Bituli was once a highly rated Tennessee football recruit. But he saw limited action last year and figured to come off the bench this year as well. But injuries to Darrin Kirkland Jr. in the middle and then Austin Smith forced him in there.

Despite the horrendous play of the defensive tackles Bituli did all he could and still made enough plays to help the Vols win, just like Darrell Taylor. It’s why we could put both guys on here even after giving up so many yards rushing.

The 6’3″ 235-pound sophomore had 23 tackles, leading everybody. But it wasn’t just the tackles.

The guy was all over the field, helping the Vols slow down this attack as much as they possibly could while getting manhandled up front.

And Bituli made one key play that puts him on the list.

Early in the game, he forced a fumble that Cortez McDowell. That stopped one drive, which is obviously huge in a game like this, and it set up Tennessee football’s first touchdown.

That’s enough to earn him a spot on this list. With so many injuries at linebacker right now, there’s a chance this is one of many more spots to come.

Once a four-star who drew hype as a great edge rusher, Bituli showed why he could be an incredibly good linebacker. He was all over the field for the Vols Monday night.