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Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /
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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 /

WILL linebacker

1. Jeremy Banks

Although he had the second to worst PFF regular season grade of all defenders who played at least 100 snaps last year, Jeremy Banks was Tennessee football’s top raw producer. He tied for the team lead in sacks with five and a half and tackles for a loss in 11.5, and he led the team in total and solo tackles with 128 and 59 respectively.

The converted running back also had four pass deflections and an interception. A learning curve with his position conversion and new system is the reason for his low PFF grade. Those are gone now, so Banks should take a huge step forward this year, and he’ll start again.

2. Solon Page III

After spending years in the system, Solon Page III finally got the chance to be a rotational back last year. He made the most of that opportunity with a pick six, two and a half tackles for a loss, two pass deflections and 38 tackles, 13 of which were solo. It was a great story.

Page is back for his final year of eligibility and will once again be a rotational guy, but he won’t be more than that. He the lowest graded PFF regular season defender last year, so he’s got plenty of shortcomings. Although he should be better this year, he won’t take any spot from Banks or Mitchell. Still, he’ll provide plenty of value here.

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