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Tennessee football’s top 10 impact players for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /
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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 /

5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. r-Senior. 839. Jeremy Banks

6’1″ 224 pounds

Yes, he was among the three rotational linebackers for Tennessee football last year who had the three lowest PFF regular season grades among all defenders who saw action on at least 100 snaps. The return of Juwan Mitchell from a season-ending injury could also limit Jeremy Banks’ impact. Mitchell, when healthy, is probably the Vols’ best linebacker.

However, there’s just no way to ignore Banks’ raw production. He led all returning SEC players in tackles last year with 128, and he led all returning SEC linebackers in solo tackles with 59. Add in the fact that his 11.5 tackles for a loss was top five among returning SEC linebackers, and he truly was a huge weapon.

Banks also had five and a half sacks, and his tackles for a loss and sacks totals tied for the team lead. He also had an interception and four pass deflections. Remember, Banks initially didn’t play linebacker. He converted there in 2019 and was then dismissed before returning in 2020.

Combine that with the system change last year, which affected linebackers the most, and what he did was incredibly impressive. With another year of experience under Tim Banks and finally some stability, Banks could explode this year. His playmaking ability puts him high up.

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