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Tennessee football: 10 things to watch for in 2021 spring game

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee linebacker Roman Harrison (30) is seen during a University of Tennessee Vols football practice on UTÕs campus Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.Volspractice1022 0127
Tennessee linebacker Roman Harrison (30) is seen during a University of Tennessee Vols football practice on UTÕs campus Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.Volspractice1022 0127 /

3. Where edge rushers line up

As we mentioned at the start of spring practice, one thing that stood out for Tennessee football’s roster was that the edge rushers were still listed as linebackers instead of defensive ends despite the switch to a 4-3. We mentioned Bryson Eason, Byron Young and Morven Joseph, all of whom could truly be linebackers, but plenty of other players fit this mold as well.

Most notably, Tyler Baron, who is expected to be a breakout superstar, is listed as a linebacker. The same holds true for Roman Harrison. All of this raises a huge question, though. Where are the edge rushers going to line up in Tim Banks’ scheme? Will the play up on the line, or will they play off as another outside linebacker?

There’s one option involving one playing on the line and one playing the second linebacker spot as Banks runs more of a 4-2-5. That would make the most sense, as one of the true defensive linemen like Matthew Butler could play the other defensive end role.

Banks and Josh Heupel could go lots of ways with this. The use of the edge rushers could help them offset the major issues they have at linebacker right now, and such versatility isn’t uncommon in these types of schemes. Curt Maggitt played that role under Butch Jones. It’ll just be interesting to see how they line up Saturday.

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