WilliamDuVOL
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2014
- Messages
- 3,361
- Likes
- 3,923
Bates could serve as linchpin in Tennessee linebacker corps
Personally, this has been one of my biggest areas of concern for us moving forward. It's not a question of talent, but a question of who will take A.J.'s spot moving forward. I also think it's going to be exciting to see some of the few kids we redshirted finally get playing time (yes I realize Bates did get some.) So who do you all think it will be moving forward? I like what I'm hearing about Bates so far.
Personally, this has been one of my biggest areas of concern for us moving forward. It's not a question of talent, but a question of who will take A.J.'s spot moving forward. I also think it's going to be exciting to see some of the few kids we redshirted finally get playing time (yes I realize Bates did get some.) So who do you all think it will be moving forward? I like what I'm hearing about Bates so far.
Tennessee maintains as much depth as any team in the SEC along the defensive line, and returning outside linebackers Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Curt Maggitt add an even greater threat at the line of scrimmage from the edges. With plenty of talent returning in the secondary as well, including both the teams starting safeties in 2014, that leaves just one gap within the unit, that being at middle linebacker.
While there are plenty of worthy candidates in the mix, there is no obvious replacement for Johnson on the roster, which makes the hole in the middle all the more glaring.