5. J.J. Peterson, LB
One of the few pieces of good news for the Vols on National Signing Day was that they were able to keep talented linebacker J.J. Peterson in the fold. Alabama and Nick Saban made a late push to try and flip him from Tennessee, but the Vols were able to keep his commitment and sign him on Wednesday.
Peterson was ranked as the No. 3 outside linebacker in the 2018 class, and he might end up being the most versatile linebacker on Tennessee’s roster as soon as he joins them.
The Vols have decent depth at linebacker, but they don’t have someone who can play as many positions as Peterson. He is solid at dropping back in coverage, has the speed you want in an outside linebacker, and is tough enough to play one of the inside linebacker positions.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Peterson to nab a starting spot as a true freshman. But even if he doesn’t, I fully expect him to get a lot of snaps on defense.
