Honestly, there were no real concerns about Daniel Bituli losing his starting job heading into the season. He’s the most versatile returning linebacker Tennessee football has and already a proven producer on the inside.
However, you never know what could happen. And being a top performer throughout the spring is always a big deal. As a result, Bituli gets to be high on the list because he was named the most improved player for spring practice.
As a guy who seemed to have a safe starting job already and was one of the strengths of the Vols, being the most improved player opens up a world of potential. Just how good could Bituli be in the fall? Probably the best thing this means for him is that Jeremy Pruitt can move him around at linebacker, either to rush the passer from the outside, stop the run inside or drop back in coverage.
He did only have three tackles in the spring game, but more value is placed on recognition from all of spring practice than that one game, even if we do put value on that one game. As a result, Bituli earned his way onto this list and even into the top 5, even if he wasn’t under too much threat of losing his job.