Tennessee football: Five Alabama Crimson Tide to watch for against Vols

Similar to the defensive backs, we had a lot of names to pick from among the front seven. Linebackers have been banged up this month for the Tide, including Anfernee Jennings, but he’s still their best playmaker.

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Jennings matters more than most people on the team  in order to deliver for a Nick Saban defense that is not as great as it usually is. Despite being limited in practice in recent weeks, his abilities are indisputable. He has seven tackles for a loss and four sacks this year. Terrell Lewis, another linebacker, has six tackles for a loss and four sacks. But he’s banged up as well.

So since his numbers are slightly better, especially when you consider the fact that he’s got a forced fumble and two pass deflections, Jennings is the guy who poses the biggest threat to Tennessee football. And there’s another reason he could be effective Saturday.

If Brian Maurer can’t go, Jarrett Guarantano’s lack of mobility could make him an easy target for Jennings. That’s even more true when you consider how Guarantano can sometimes take too long to make a decision and how slow-developing Jim Chaney’s play-calls are. All of these things can be problematic going up against Jennings.

As a result, it’s essential for Chaney and Jeremy Pruitt to keep an eye on him. Jennings is in perfect position to wreak havoc against an inconsistent offense, and he could quickly dispel the notion of the Vols’ offensive line improving.