Tennessee football: Five South Alabama Jaguars to watch for against Vols

Southern Mississippi defensive back Eric Scott Jr. (12) tackles South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (8) during their game at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020.Hat 9933
Southern Mississippi defensive back Eric Scott Jr. (12) tackles South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (8) during their game at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020.Hat 9933 /
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MOBILE, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 14: Running back Amare Jones #5 of the Georgia Southern Eagles catches a pass in front of safety Yam Banks #5 of the South Alabama Jaguars at Hancock Whitney Stadium on October 14, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
MOBILE, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 14: Running back Amare Jones #5 of the Georgia Southern Eagles catches a pass in front of safety Yam Banks #5 of the South Alabama Jaguars at Hancock Whitney Stadium on October 14, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. Freshman. 2117. Yamarus Banks. 2. player

6’1″ 210 pounds

All the work being done on the defensive line frees up linebackers and safeties to make big plays. Shawn Jennings has three tackles for a loss and two sacks. Jamal Brooks has five and a half tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles. Linebackers Quinten Wilfawn and A.J. DeShazor are the leading tacklers, and free safety Keith Gallmon is third on the team in that regard.

Sacks and forced fumbles are the way to give Tennessee football, as the Vols are outside of the top 100 in limiting both. The sacks portion has been covered with the defensive line. When it comes to forcing fumbles, Yam Banks is the threat.

Just like Brooks, Banks has forced two fumbles. Unlike Brooks, he’s a full-time starter at safety, making him a threat every play. In addition to those forced fumbles, Banks has four tackles for a loss, a pass deflection and 39 tackles, 21 of which were solo.

Simply put, Banks is a physical defensive back who will pose a huge threat to UT’s offense the entire time they are on the field. The whole defense will pose a threat, to be honest, but Banks is one of the guys who could really shake things up. Rocky Top has to account for him and all of these other guys to get the big plays Josh Heupel usually strives for.