6. Will Ignont, LB
Just like last year, the Vols’ linebacker unit has been decimated by injuries again this year. Both starting linebackers, Darrin Kirkland Jr. and Cortez McDowell, are out for the season because of injuries. Key reserve Austin Smith has yet to play this year because of injury as well.
That has depleted what was already a somewhat thin unit into playing reserves as starters. With Colton Jumper and Quart’e Sapp expected to start for the foreseeable future and sophomore Daniel Bituli being the third man, someone else needs to step up.
For all the talk freshman Will Ignont was getting in fall camp, he’s yet to see the field this year. This game should provide the perfect opportunity for the freshman to earn his first playing time of the season, and the Vols will likely have to rely on someone like him down the stretch. Getting him in this Saturday is key to his development as a quality reserve.
