Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for at Missouri Tigers

Although Daniel Bituli’s return has somewhat overshadowed Henry To’o To’o’s development during the second half of this season, don’t forget about him. He has been just as critical to Tennessee football as anybody, and he is clearly the future of the Vols at inside linebacker after Bituli graduates this year.

To’o To’o does have 56 tackles on the year, and as the No. 2 inside linebacker, he has still managed to come away with eight tackles in each of his last two SEC games, against the Kentucky Wildcats and South Carolina Gamecocks. Also, don’t forget that To’o To’o had a key tackle during the goal-line stand to beat Kentucky in the Vols’ last outing. So he is making lots of great plays.

Simply put, this guy is growing up. And now he has a major test. Linebacker play will be huge at Missouri, as they win games with Kelly Bryant’s mobility, Larry Rountree III’s ability to run the ball, and usage of the tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

All of that puts pressure on the inside linebackers to be highly effective, and that means more pressure on To’o To’o. The freshman struggled severely in Bituli’s absence calling plays in the opener against the Georgia State Panthers. Now, Jeremy Pruitt needs him to come through again. With more experience and Bituli back, can he do it? That’s the big question.