Tennessee football 2018 preview by position: Vols LBs
Projected backups
JJ Peterson; Freshman; 6’2″ 231 lbs; Moultrie, Ga.
A four-star true freshman, JJ Peterson was a guy Jeremy Pruitt targeted specifically. Now, he did miss spring ball, and he is late enrolling. Combine that with him being a true freshman, and he’s going to be a backup this year. But he’s the top backup for Tennessee football, specifically at inside linebacker. However, he can step in at outside linebacker as well. Book it. Peterson will make a splash at the position and is going to be the first guy to enter the rotation if there’s an injury.
Austin Smith; Junior; 6’3″ 246 lbs; Buford, Ga
Austin Smith converted from defensive end to outside linebacker as well and figures to be the top outside linebacker out of the rotation. However, he’ll be a perfect player for depth, and one injury could force him into the rotation. Peterson is going to be the top guy period, but Smith will be the top outside linebacker after that.
Will Ignont; Sophomore; 6’1″ 239 lbs; Huntsville, Ala.
Like JJ Peterson, Will Ignont is the next guy on the list who has the size to fill any of the voids. However, like Peterson, his primary position is inside linebacker. As a result, he’ll be the third guy on this list for the Vols to step in and fill a void in the rotation if there are injuries.
Shanon Reid; Sophomore; 6’0″ 218 lbs; Lehigh Acres, Fla.
Shanon Reid was a member of the 2017 Tennessee football recruiting class just like Will Ignont. However, he didn’t come with as much hype, and he’s still behind the guy overall. Add in his smaller frame, and he’ll be a guy to provide depth in Jeremy Pruitt’s system this year but also a guy who needs time to develop. A redshirt is likely in the works.
Solon Page III; r-Freshman 6’2″ 211 lbs; Marietta, Ga.
Given the idea of redshirting Shanon Reid, there’s a chance Solon Page III is ahead of him in the depth chart. However, all things being equal, he needs to get bigger too. So while he can’t take a redshirt, he’ll be buried in the depth chart this year. Maybe he can see some action on special teams. That’ll at least give him experience while he builds his weight. At least for now he provides depth to the team.
Related Story. Tennessee football 2018 depth chart projection. light
Other linebackers on the roster
Landon Knoll; Junior; 6’3″ 219 lbs; Nashville, Tenn.
Cole Hughes; Junior; 6’1″ 237 lbs; Hendersonville, Tenn.
Matt Ballard; Sophomore; 6’0″ 219 lbs; Clarksville, Tenn.
Nick Humphrey; Sophomore; 6’1″ 208 lbs; Monroe, Mich.
Joshua Warren; r-Freshman; 6’3″ 222 lbs; Knoxville, Tenn.
Nyles Gaddy; Freshman; 6’4″ 226 lbs; Nashville, Tenn.