Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. South Alabama Jaguars

6’1″ 224 pounds

Every weakness of South Alabama’s offense plays right into the hands of Tennessee football’s linebackers. That unit has struggled throughout the year, but this could be the game where they finally return to being the elite playmakers they were earlier in the year.

South Alabama’s 76 tackles for a loss allowed is ranked No. 117 in the nation. Also, four of their eight interceptions have gone to linebackers. All of that sets up Aaron Beasley and Jeremy Banks to make a lot of plays on Saturday. Beasley is solid with four and a half tackles for a loss. He also leads the team with two fumble recoveries, and it’s clear South Alabama fumbles a lot.

However, this plays much more into Banks’ hands. Banks has an interception on the year, and he also leads the team in tackles for a loss with nine. Included in that are his four and a half sacks, which also is tied for the team lead. Four of South Alabama’s eight interceptions have been to linebackers, so Banks’ ability in pass coverage makes him a candidate to have a huge day.

Matthew Butler, Byron Young, Tyler Baron and Ja’Quain Blakely have also all been elite at racking up tackles for a loss, so many members of Tennessee football’s defensive could have been on here. However, Banks is the guy who could be the most dominant, so he needs to step up.