Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2021

Outside linebacker

1. Aaron Beasley

Another player left out of spring due to a legal issue, Aaron Beasley has developed incredibly at linebacker the past two years. He converted there after playing defensive back initially. That development is enough for us to say he’s the favorite to be the starter this year.

Nobody has experience in this role, but the 6’1″ 225-pound junior forced a fumble last year and had half a tackle for a loss in limited action. This year, he’s probably the best positioned to take over the role immediately.

2. Roman Harrison 

When Tennessee football does go to a true 4-3 and not a nickel, the Vols’ second outside linebacker will be like an extra edge rusher. This is why we have three players on this page, as one outside linebacker is like a half starter. Roman Harrison fits that profile.

The 6’2″ 235-pound junior has 15 tackles, eight of which were solo, to go with five tackles for a loss and four sacks over the past two years. He actually participated in spring ball, although he was limited. Harrison gets this spot over Morven Joseph, but it could go either way.

3. William Mohan

Michigan Wolverines transfer William Mohan has just as much a chance to start as Beasley. It’s really a tossup, as both missed out on spring ball. Mohan has less experience, though, as he only appeared in one game last year with Michigan. As a result, the 6’1″ 210-pound redshirt freshman will back up Beasley, making him No. 3 on this list among outside linebackers.