Linebackers
Jalen Reeves-Maybin chose to return to Tennessee for his senior year, and in doing so, he will be one of the best outside linebackers in the country. He has the physical tools for sure, but with a play recognition of 91, his football intelligence is through the roof. Rising sophomore Darrin Kirkland Jr. (85) has already shown why he was so heavily recruited out of high school and might be one of the best middle linebackers the university has ever seen before it’s all said and done. Gavin Bryant’s hit power (90) is the best on the team, and Austin Smith (81) might be a guy who earns a starting position based on sheer athleticism.
