Linebackers
Jalen Reeves-Maybin currently leads the team in tackles (56), tackles for loss (8), and sacks (3). He has been the leader for Tennessee’s defense with both his on-field performance and off-field influence. He is everything you want in an outside linebacker at the SEC level.
Inside linebacker, however, has been a puzzling disappointment. Colton Jumper starting the season led to some big plays by opposing offenses and his play really hurt Tennessee late against Oklahoma and early against Florida. Colton gives great effort, but is has been physically out-manned at times. Darrin Kirkland Jr. has shown flashes of excellence, but still lacks consistency and overall knowledge – which you expect from a true freshman. The production and impact hasn’t been there in the middle, and that has hurt this team at times.
Grades:
Daniel: C-
Houston: C+ (JRM brings this grade up.)
Reed: C
Average Grade: C
