Linebacker Room

[LittleVol]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

 

[OffTackleVol]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

Interesting.......thanks for posting. I'm "hearing" that privately our coaches are saying we could possibly have one of the better defensive lines in the SEC next season. Combine that with the potential we have a linebacker..........

 

[swampfoxfan]

That took a lot of work, thanks

 

[volmandu]

Great work.

Vols generally play 2 LBs interchangeably so likely Pili, Beasly and Herring will rotate for the starting jobs. Then up next would be Perry, Garland and Carter. I think Carter could break into starting rotation to make it 4 man rotation if he keep growing. Then there are other freshman and liberty transfer to play garbage time. Ideally it would be nice to already have a 4th rotating LB, someone with experience but the room is lot better than it had been in recent times.

 

[LittleVol]

That took a lot of work, thanks

I actually haven't written that much in a while


I'm very excited about LB.
And just looking at 2024 class, there's a bunch of good LBs that are seriously considering UT.
Singleton from Louisiana, and Cole from Virginia are two very intriguing prospects.

Coach Brian Jean-Mary mentioned yesterday that he has 4 "starters" at LB and ideally wants to have 7 that can go and play. Same goes for all the other positions defensively

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Thanks for the post.

 

[LittleVol]

Great work.

Vols generally play 2 LBs interchangeably so likely Pili, Beasly and Herring will rotate for the starting jobs. Then up next would be Perry, Garland and Carter. I think Carter could break into starting rotation to make it 4 man rotation if he keep growing. Then there are other freshman and liberty transfer to play garbage time. Ideally it would be nice to already have a 4th rotating LB, someone with experience but the room is lot better than it had been in recent times.

Arion Carter is a guy that probably could have started at Bama this upcoming season.
I expect him to be on Beasly's heels near the end of the 2023 season. And Beasley is another guy that will get a combine invite imo. Pili is going to be good for us. Maybe im underselling him a bit, but I think Arion Carter is the most talented we have, with Elijah Herring being the most versatile.

Telander and Smith are both underrated guys that are pure football players.
Kaleb Perry is another talented dude that is learning to play inside.

 

[Hacksaw]

That was a nice summary. I like the way you're thinking and I hope you're right. I don't remember a time in recent memory when we've had this much talent at LB.

 

[butchna]

Arion Carter is a guy that probably could have started at Bama this upcoming season.
I expect him to be on Beasly's heels near the end of the 2023 season. And Beasley is another guy that will get a combine invite imo. Pili is going to be good for us. Maybe im underselling him a bit, but I think Arion Carter is the most talented we have, with Elijah Herring being the most versatile.

Telander and Smith are both underrated guys that are pure football players.
Kaleb Perry is another talented dude that is learning to play inside.

It’s too bad playing three legit linebackers in a 4-3 is no longer a viable option.

 

[nickvolstate]

I find myself w a eating grin every time I look at this website . We are going to be good this year y’all

 

[LittleVol]

It’s too bad playing three legit linebackers in a 4-3 is no longer a viable option.

idk Butchna.

I think we still do that from time to time.
McDonald being star or the other "OLB", and our Edge guy are all in a 3 point stance.
Ive seen that formation multiple times

 

[VolsSince78]

That was a nice summary. I like the way you're thinking and I hope you're right. I don't remember a time in recent memory when we've had this much talent at LB.

That last statement coming from Hacksaw is a great compliment!
And I can’t wait to watch these 4 (including Pili) new LBs this year.
Also Pak Garland, former walk-in and Kurrott’s brother, has a real chance to contribute this year- if he can ever get/stay healthy. His health and the freshmen’s progress will factor in his playing time.

 

[thunder5]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

Makes a whole lot of sense…I think you saw it last year with the DL rotating 12 guys…we’re trying to get to that point at all three levels and we’re basically there at the first two…the next step will be getting the secondary in this kind of shape…but we’re getting there with them as well IMO…

Having a true 2-deep with little to no drop off from 1st to 2nd team is an absolute must with the O that we run…I don’t see us getting to the truly elite level unless we can build that kind of depth

 

[NO SIR EEE]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

I think Sammy Brown goes to UGA which sucks. Sammy was here at our track meet last night. I would love to have him at UT, he's a freak of an athlete.

 

[butchna]

idk Butchna.

I think we still do that from time to time.
McDonald being star or the other "OLB", and our Edge guy are all in a 3 point stance.
Ive seen that formation multiple times

Saying “legit”. Consider I’m a 70’s and 80’s Bears fan. No quarrel with McDonald doing his Star thang…but he’s no Wilber Marshall.

 

[Hacksaw]

That last statement coming from Hacksaw is a great compliment!
And I can’t wait to watch these 4 (including Pili) new LBs this year.
Also Pak Garland, former walk-in and Kurrott’s brother, has a real chance to contribute this year- if he can ever get/stay healthy. His health and the freshmen’s progress will factor in his playing time.

Disclaimer: I am not "THE" Hacksaw, in case anyone suspects that I am trying to suggest otherwise.

 

[LittleVol]

Saying “legit”. Consider I’m a 70’s and 80’s Bears fan. No quarrel with McDonald doing his Star thang…but he’s no Wilber Marshall.

coo, but the real question is, do we have a Mike Singletary??
maybe even a Wish version of him?

 

[LittleVol]

Makes a whole lot of sense…I think you saw it last year with the DL rotating 12 guys…we’re trying to get to that point at all three levels and we’re basically there at the first two…the next step will be getting the secondary in this kind of shape…but we’re getting there with them as well IMO…

Having a true 2-deep with little to no drop off from 1st to 2nd team is an absolute must with the O that we run…I don’t see us getting to the truly elite level unless we can build that kind of depth

Agreed. add to that Josephs, Pearce, and probably freshman Caleb Herring are going to be crucial this season. If we can get them collectively to double Byron Young's output, then we are cooking!

 

[butchna]

coo, but the real question is, do we have a Mike Singletary??
maybe even a Wish version of him?

According to you…that’s Carter.

 

[LittleVol]

I think Sammy Brown goes to UGA which sucks. Sammy was here at our track meet last night. I would love to have him at UT, he's a freak of an athlete.

We've certainly made him a priority.
Luckily theres a pretty good amount of talented ILBs for 2024.
theres some "3 star" guys that are real ballers. The Barber kid out Chalkville, AL.
The kid out of Brunswick, GA. Burns from Atlanta, House from Cali is going to blow up this season.
Same for Cole from Salem, VA.

Then there's the other highly ranked guys like Spillman from Nashville. Singleton from Lousiana.
Lastly, there's the late bloomers that come out of nowhere senior year (Arion Carter).

Hopefully you're wrong about Sammy. But if not, then we'll still sign really talented guys. Not like Sammy, but guys we'll be able to compete for championships with..

 

[thunder5]

We've certainly made him a priority.
Luckily theres a pretty good amount of talented ILBs for 2024.
theres some "3 star" guys that are real ballers. The Barber kid out Chalkville, AL.
The kid out of Brunswick, GA. Burns from Atlanta, House from Cali is going to blow up this season.
Same for Cole from Salem, VA.

Then there's the other highly ranked guys like Spillman from Nashville. Singleton from Lousiana.
Lastly, there's the late bloomers that come out of nowhere senior year (Arion Carter).

Hopefully you're wrong about Sammy. But if not, then we'll still sign really talented guys. Not like Sammy, but guys we'll be able to compete for championships with..

I like Jones film a lot…I wouldn’t consider it a downgrade at all to land him instead of some of these other guys on your list…I think he’s right on their level

 

[StickMan]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

Good stuff! This exactly the kind of material I come here to see. Thanks!

 

[sonofUT62]

I think Sammy Brown goes to UGA which sucks. Sammy was here at our track meet last night. I would love to have him at UT, he's a freak of an athlete.

If he goes to UGA ,I wish him all the Jeff Luc in the world.

 

[malibuvol]

I think Sammy Brown goes to UGA which sucks. Sammy was here at our track meet last night. I would love to have him at UT, he's a freak of an athlete.

Or may end up at Clemson...

 

[livefaith]

To begin, look at the stats from our Top 4 Lbs
- Beasley 76 tkls, Banks 53, Mitchell 43, Page 37
209 tackles
Let's contrast that to UGAs Top 4 "ILBs".
Mondon 76 tkls, Johnson 70, Marshall 19, Chambliss 15
180 tackles
Notice how differently the stat distribution is from Tenn vs UGA. Our top 4 are almost interchangeable, while UGA clearly lets their starters play way more snaps.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 for The Vols. We lost 3 of those top 4. In a system the "platoons" LBs the way we seem to do, that would seem to create a bit of an immediate problem. But I don't feel that way at all.

The 5th and 6th ILBs in 2022 for the Vols stats goes as follows
- Perry 14 tckls, Herring 11 (2 sacks)
Those stats are comparable to UGA's backup ILBs. Perry and Herring were true freshman that were not heavily depended on but still found a way to make an impact and develop.

I think, in some crazy way, Heupel has developed a system (as a by product of his quick strike offense), to where we can recruit elite defensive players, and platoon them like some offenses do for say the RB position? Except we are doing that at EVERY defensive position. Because they play so may snaps defensively.
*Note Jeremy Banks was invited to the NFL combine after a 53 tackle senior season. He wasn't our leading tackler.
I'm aware of his statistical junior year, but hes about to play in the NFL after making just 53 tackles as senior.
Im very excited about what's happening on defense, especially at LB!

Here's my guess as to who starts and how stats play out.
2023 Starting LBs
1) Beasley (Sr) 6'0 230/ 2)Carter (Fr) 6'1 225
1) Pili (Sr) 6'3 235/ 2) Herring (So) 6'3 240

Beasley 80 tkls, Carter 65 , Pili 40 , Herring 35 (some sacks too)
Smith 25, Perry 20, Telander 15.

So we come in 2024 AGAIN losing 2 Sr linebackers, and yet we won't have drop off imo.
So 2024:
1) Carter 6'1 230 (So)/ 2) Smith 6'1 220 (So)
1) Herring 6'3 240 (Jr)/ 2) Telander 6'2 230 (So) or Caleb Perry 6'3 230 (Jr)
No transfer portal needed and 3 stud Freshman LBs from 2024 class
***** Sammy Brown (GA) 6'2 230 4.4 speed
**** Edwin Spillman (TN) 6'1 230 4.5 speed
**** Chris Cole (VA) 6'3 210 4.6 speed

I went a bit overboard...
My point is, I don't think there's a better system of letting defensive players develop than what we have.

Very nice. Plenty of bodies who can make plays. Everyone does the DL this way. But, one point not mentoined is that for us to get better, we'll HAVE to do this at all 3 levels. We need to be able to make wholesale changes on defense to stay fresh. When our O goes 3 & out they are back very quickly.

One thing that I am surprised w Heupels D is that we are not more risky and attacking more. I expected him to bring crazy pressure from all over to create a track meet whether they were scored upon or not. But, I FEEL like our D was pretty balanced through the entire season. We played more straight up honest D than I expected.