1. Linebacker
Early Signees
Quavaris Crouch (6-foot-3, 230 lbs) – No. 39 overall, No. 2 ATH
The Vols didn’t sign a true linebacker prospect in the early signing period, leaving this position as easily their top remaining position of need in this class. Quavaris Crouch will be playing linebacker for Tennessee, but he played more running back in high school. He’s a dynamic athlete when healthy, and his ceiling is exceptionally high at linebacker. But UT wants to bring in at least one but probably two more linebackers in this 2019 class.
Right now, four-star JUCO inside linebacker Lakia Henry is still committed to the Vols, but it doesn’t appear as though he’ll end up being a part of this class for Tennessee. If he doesn’t end up signing with UT, where will they turn?
Henry To’oto’o will be one of the more talked about names between now and February as it pertains to the Vols. He’s an elite linebacker over in California, and it’s essentially down to Tennessee and Alabama for his recruitment.
Though To’oto’o will get the bulk of the attention, UT’s coaches really, really like in-state linebacker Chris Russell from Dyersburg. The bulky but speedy linebacker is a little more raw than To’oto’o, but he has immense potential and fits the mold of what Pruitt and his defensive staff want in an inside linebacker.
Tennessee needs to add at least one more linebacker in their 2019 class, but they would really like to add two if they can. It’s easily their biggest remaining hole in this class right now.
Names to Know
Henry To’oto’o – No. 41 overall, No. 2 OLB
Chris Russell – No. 1,218 overall, No. 53 ILB
