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Tennessee football vs. Vanderbilt: Five key Commodores to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 13, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Mike Wright (5) throws a pass against Kentucky during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Mike Wright (5) throws a pass against Kentucky during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji (26) is on top of his teammates’ shoulders during a huddle before the game against Tennessee at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw55425
Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji (26) is on top of his teammates’ shoulders during a huddle before the game against Tennessee at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw55425 /

Anfernee Orji. 3. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Junior. player. 887

6’2″ 230 pounds

When you’re looking at elite playmakers on defense and what they can do against Tennessee football, rushing the quarterback and forcing negative plays is more important than interceptions. That was stressed even with the naming of Ethan Barr and Max Worship, and it’s why those two guys made the list over Dashaun Jerkins.

Well, guys whose bread and butter are forcing negative plays will stand out over them, and nobody stands out more than Anfernee Orji on that front. Starting alongside Barr at linebacker, Orji is the most physical all-around player on the team.

Orji leads Vanderbilt in tackles for a loss with 10.5, and nobody else has more than five. Included in those tackles for a loss is one sack. He also leads the team with 81 tackles, and 48 of them are solo, which also leads the team.

Simply Put, Orji is an aggressive playmaker for Vanderbilt, and he’s an elite run-stopper. The Vols get their offense going by running the ball, so they will have to watch out for Orji every time they are on offense. He hasn’t forced any turnovers yet this year, but he can cause lots of plays that kill drives, and those are just as dangerous.

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