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Tennessee football 2019 preview by position: Vols linebackers

By Caleb Calhoun

AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Deandre Johnson #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after a big play during the fourth quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Deandre Johnson #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after a big play during the fourth quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

Projected backups

Solon Page III

Redshirt sophomore; 6’2″ 218 lbs; Atlanta, Ga.

The one guy to compete with Shanon Reid in the spring as the No. 2 inside linebacker, Solon Page III is the top guy on our list. He needs to put on weight, but he should see a good bit more playing time. Page’s potential is clearly solid, so this year is his chance to show it.

Jordan Allen

Redshirt junior; 6’4″ 238 lbs; Fairfield, Calif.

A four-star junior college commitment to the 2018 Tennessee football recruiting class out of City College of San Francisco, Jordan Allen had some developing to do last year. This year, he could fight to be the starting edge rusher with Deandre Johnson. But he’s got to really step up and show the strides he’s made. For now, we have him as the top edge rusher off the bench.

Will Ignont

Junior; 6’1″ 225 lbs; Huntsville, Ala.

Will Ignont joins Solon Page III and Shanon Reid in the fight to start as the No. 2 inside linebacker. He’s got a bit more experience than Page but not much. And he was behind both Page and Reid in the spring. So he’ll likely be here for the fall, but Darrin Kirkland Jr.’s injury gives him a better chance to see more action.

Kivon Bennett

Redshirt sophomore; 6’2″ 248 lbs; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

While Jordan Allen has the expectations and Deandre Johnson has the experience, Jeremy Pruitt specifically touted Kivon Bennett as the edge rusher who made major strides this spring. As a result, watch out for him this year. He could compete with Allen and Johnson for that other outside linebacker spot.

J.J. Peterson

Redshirt freshman; 6’2″ 233 lbs; Moultrie, Ga.

After needing time to be eligible to play, J.J. Peterson ended up just taking a redshirt. But he was another four-star inside linebacker for Tennessee football, so with a bit more experience, we have him as the top inside linebacker on our list not in real contention to start.

Quavaris Crouch

Freshman; 6’1″ 246 lbs; Charlotte, N.C.

Jeremy Pruitt’s best 2019 commitment on defense was Quavaris Crouch. He would have been a five-star if not for injury limiting him last year. As an early enrollee, watch out for Crouch. We have him down here right now just because age, but he’s one of the only other players outside of Daniel Bituli who can play all four linebacker positions equally great. That could be a big help.

Henry To’oto’o

Freshman; 6’2″ 232 lbs; Sacramento, Calif.

Right after Crouch, Henry To’oto’o was a huge steal for the Vols on National Signing Day as another four-star linebacker. Coming out of California, he has versatility similar to Crouch, so he could also make a push, but he wasn’t an early enrollee, and he may need to develop more.

Roman Harrison

Freshman; 6’2″ 234 lbs; Bainbridge, Ga.

After Quavaris Crouch and Henry To’oto’o, two four-star linebackers who can play all four positions, Roman Harrison is a pure four-star edge rusher. As a result, his limitations right now and not being an early enrollee puts him last on our depth chart heading into fall camp.

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