3. LB Dillon Bates
Why: The Vols had to appeal to the NCAA to get a medical hardship waiver for Bates, but their efforts paid off last week. He appeared in four games, just one over the 30% of the regular season threshold, before having his season ended early with a torn labrum.
Future Outlook: The future is incredibly bright for the former four-star recruit and son of UT and Dallas Cowboys star Bill Bates. He was already emerging as one of the top reserve linebackers and special teams players in limited action in 2014, and now the Vols could have all the way to 2018 to develop Bates, who has All-SEC potential. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s utilized next year. He’s more of a natural outside linebacker, but with the void at inside linebacker, perhaps the 225-pound Bates could bulk up some and get a look inside. He certainly has the athleticism and intelligence to do it. Regardless, expect Bates to see a lot of the field in 2015 and beyond.
