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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Purdue Boilermakers

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) makes an interception during an NCAA football game between Tennessee and Missouri on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 2 , 2021.Utmizzou 1002 0807
Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) makes an interception during an NCAA football game between Tennessee and Missouri on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 2 , 2021.Utmizzou 1002 0807 /

1. Linebacker. Redshirt junior. Jeremy Banks. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’1″ 224 pounds

Everything that applied to Theo Jackson applies to Jeremy Banks with more pressure. Linebackers have been key to making sure Purdue’s rushing attack is irrelevant this year, and Tennessee football has to continue making sure that attack is irrelevant.

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Banks is tied with Theo Jackson for the team leader in tackles for a loss with nine. Edge rusher Byron Young also has nine, but that’s mainly due to five and a half sacks. The Vols will need more run-stoppers in their second and third lines of defense than pass-rushers to shut down Purdue, and that’s where Banks comes into play.

In addition to his nine tackles for a loss, Banks does have four and a half sacks, two pass deflections and an interception. He also leads the team in total tackles with 108, nearly 30 more than the player with the second most on the team, and 49 of those have been solo. This game is set up for him to thrive.

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Along with Aaron Beasley, Banks has had trouble all year getting off blocks to contain mobile quarterbacks. Banks shouldn’t have that problem against Purdue, though, as their starting quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, is a complete statue. That means he should dominate and help Tennessee football’s defense in a big way.

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