Linebacker
Darrin Kirkland Jr.: 16
Colton Jumper: 10
Elliot Berry: 4
Cortez McDowell: 4
Total: 34
Once again, injuries plagued this unit last season. But it allowed for some younger players to get some playing time, and that bodes well for this year.
Darrin Kirkland Jr. is back and healthy, and he will be the top linebacker in the unit. Colton Jumper is the second-most experienced linebacker in the group, and he should provide some experienced depth. Cortez McDowell is expected to start alongside Kirkland, but he’ll have some competition as well.
The Vols will have several sophomores and freshmen at the linebacker position, but none of them should play outside of special teams barring a rash of injuries like last season.
Aside from the starters and Colton Jumper, the Vols don’t have a ton of experience at linebacker this season. One big injury could really disrupt this unit.
