Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili was in a peculiar situation entering the 2024 season. Pili had played just one half of football at Tennessee entering the season but represented the Vols at SEC Football Media Days and was a captain in the Vols’ season opener against Chattanooga.
But while Pili missed nearly the entirety of the 2023 season with a broken collarbone, he still became one of the top leaders on Tennessee’s defense thanks to his mature approach.
For Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks, watching Pili miss the 2023 season and handle it the right way has made it all the more rewarding with the inside linebacker back on the field this season.
“It was very satisfying,” Banks said of watching Pili against NC State. “He’s a kid that has worked his tail off. He got hurt early in the season last year and I know how tough that was for him. But he stayed locked in, stayed with the team, continued to push guys and learn our defense. So to finally see him see the fruits of his efforts, man, listen, I feel like a proud dad, to see him go out there and do what he did.
“He’s a big athlete. We knew that. He’s got great stamina. We think he’s only going to get better as he continues to grow in his defense. So we’re excited for him.”
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Through two games this season, Pili’s recorded six tackles. He played just 15 snaps in the Vols’ season-opening win over Chattanooga before playing 31 snaps in week two against NC State.
Starting next to sophomore Arion Carter, Pili and Tennessee’s run defense has been fantastic early in the 2024 season. Pili in particular has been elite in the run game. According to PFF, the super senior has an 82.8 run defense and a 79.6 tackling grade.
That was the reputation that Pili brought to Tennessee after spending four seasons on the BYU football team. The question for Pili is how well he’ll play when in pass coverage. NC State was able to test him in that regard some last week but the tests will get more-and-more challenging as the season goes on.
But Kent State likely won’t provide a sizable test this Saturday when they travel to Knoxville to face No. 7 Tennessee. Kickoff between the Vols and Golden Flashes is at 7:45 p.m. ET. Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers and Cole Cubelic are on the call for the SEC Network.
