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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Ball State

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores 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 /

Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Jeremy Banks. Scouting Report. r-Senior. 1. player. 839

6’1″ 224 pounds

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Ball State is breaking in a new quarterback, their running back is the heart of their offense, and their best receiver plays in the slot. This is all a recipe for one of Tennessee football’s linebackers to make a ton of plays, even if the position is one of issue for the Vols entering this season.

Enter Jeremy Banks. While Juwan Mitchell is probably the best linebacker, he is returning from a season-ending injury, so Banks is the guy most likely to produce the most early. He led all returning SEC players in tackles last year and all returning SEC linebackers in solo tackles while finishing in the top five among them in tackles for a loss.

All of that production is back with more experience. Quarterback containment is not an issue, which is what has held the linebackers back, as John Paddock just isn’t mobile. That frees up Banks and the other linebackers to simply make plays, which is what Banks does best.

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This is the type of game where Banks should get a sack, have double-digit tackles and force a turnover somewhere. Tennessee football needs him to wreak havoc more than anybody else, and as a result, he’s the most important player for them in this game.

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