Tennessee football: Top 10 dark horse Vols for 2020 season

Hometown: Moultrie, Ga.

Although Solon Page III provides the experience at inside linebacker for Tennessee football, there are other players Jeremy Pruitt specifically targeted on the recruiting trail when he got over, and they have a better chance of taking over that spot. Despite early struggles, J.J. Peterson should be that guy for the Vols this year.

Certain paperwork issues kept Peterson from being able to join the team in time as a freshman. He arrived midseason and had a steep learning curve, which is why he took a redshirt. Last year, though, the 6’2″ 225-pound graduate of Colquitt County High School in Georgia saw a bit more playing time, and he came away with 11 total tackles, five of which were solo.

This year, Peterson has a great chance to work his way into the starting lineup. If he’s not there, he could at least be in the rotation alongside Henry To’o To’o and another guy on this list. It can’t be understated how big of a void Daniel Bituli’s departure leaves, and Pruitt, Derrick Ansley and Brian Niedermeyer are likely going to keep all options on the table to replace him.

While there is a clear favorite to replace him, Peterson could be a breakout star just like anybody else at the position. That’s enough for us to put him on this list, and if there’s one injury, his potential shoots up. At this point, it’s actually likely he becomes a rotational player. But he could also become a starter.