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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 11
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 11 /
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Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) is all smiles after making a defensive stop in the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) is all smiles after making a defensive stop in the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /

Aaron Beasley. 3. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Senior. player. 839

6’1″ 225 pounds

Of Anthony Richardson’s four interceptions this year, two have been to cornerbacks. However, the other two have been to linebackers in coverage. Being able to stay in position against Florida’s offense is crucial if you’re going to win, and that puts more pressure on Tennessee football’s linebackers than any game the first three weeks.

Enter Aaron Beasley. Jeremy Banks was the star linebacker entering the season, and he still is the best at stopping the run, but Beasley is the best at staying in position. Beasley is also the best at getting pressure off the edge, as he forced an interception each of the first two games based on the pressure he brought to the quarterback.

Add in the fact that Beasley, not Banks, was the linebacker who led the Vols in tackles each of the first two games, and it’s safe to say he’s having a bit of a breakout season early on. Performing well in this game could make it a full breakout season, and everything is in place for him to do so.

Jordan Wright for Kentucky was the star against Florida, coming away with an interception, a sack and two tackles for a loss. That’s the type of performance Beasley should look to have, as he plays the same position. If Billy Napier goes back to his original game plan against Utah and uses Richardson’s legs more, Beasley will be even more crucial.

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