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

Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) celebrates after Tennessee's football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp
Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) celebrates after Tennessee's football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp /
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Nick Patti (12) of the Pittsburgh Panthers throws the ball downfield while under pressure by Byron Young (6) of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 10, 2022.Pittsburgh Panthers Vs Tennessee Volunteers
Nick Patti (12) of the Pittsburgh Panthers throws the ball downfield while under pressure by Byron Young (6) of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 10, 2022.Pittsburgh Panthers Vs Tennessee Volunteers /

player. 839. Scouting Report. Senior. Byron Young. Pick Analysis. Defensive end. 4

6’3″ 245 pounds

Two defensive linemen named Byron Young will be in this game, as Alabama also has a defensive tackle by that name. However, the Byron Young for Tennessee football is the star, and he finally broke out last week with two and a half sacks after knocking on the door for weeks. That’s the second time he earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week this year.

Against Alabama, Young will be even more crucial. If Jalen Milroe is the starter for Alabama, Young could be destined to go off, as the principles of defending him are similar to the principles of defending Jayden Daniels. Milroe was sacked four times last week against the Texas A&M Aggies, and UT could do the same thing.

Both Young and Tyler Baron could be effective here, but Young is the bigger star, so he’s the guy who gets named on this list. It’ll be absolutely crucial for him to bring pressure and hit the quarterback some, regardless of who the signal caller will be on Saturday.

If Bryce Young is the guy, Byron Young can still be a major force. Given the fact that Bryce Young may be banged up, his mobility could be limited, which makes Byron Young even more critical to making big plays. Last week, Young finally broke out for the year. It may be time for him to put together his best performance ever.