Six SEC linebacker duos to watch in 2014

[WilliamDuVOL]

Six SEC linebacker duos to watch in 2014 | Saturday Down South

2. AJ Johnson and Curt Maggitt, Tennessee
2013 combined stats: 106 tackles
Bring it: AJ Johnson returns as one of the SEC’s premier middle linebackers, while Curt Maggitt returns to the field after missing all last season due to a knee injury. Johnson has recorded two straight 100-tackle seasons – 324 tackles in three seasons – and he could have easily elected to head to the NFL last year. Maggitt will play an interesting role for the Vols, because the biggest role needed is defensive linemen. Maggitt will two-time at linebacker and defensive end, but whichever position he ends up playing the most, he’ll be a pass rushing specialist. The 2011 freshman All-American is ready for his second debut.

We're going to need both of these guys this fall, and if we can pressure the quarterback more effectively our defense might be a nice surprise for us all.

 

[General Jack]

Isn't Maggit going to play DE primarily?

Recognition is nice regardless.

 

[CroKev]

Most of the time we'll be in the nickel formation so A.J. and Maggitt will be lined up together as LBs.

QB's (not to mention barber's) worst nightmare if the DL can keep the OL occupied.

 

[Doyle Hargraves]

In before the AJ is too slow army arrives.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

In before the AJ is too slow army arrives.

Any middle linebacker would look slow with Brent Brewer and Sapp as their running mates. Also, our below average d lines have not helped him either.

 

[jmkvols]

For what it's worth Vandy homer Bill King stated this morning that he thinks the defense will be the problem with our team this year.

 

[ACvol3]

For what it's worth Vandy homer Bill King stated this morning that he thinks the defense will be the problem with our team this year.

It would be impossible for our defense to be worse than last years.

 

[Biopsyman]

It would be impossible for our defense to be worse than last years.

No so fast.. Singed Defense 2012

 

[Give_All_Vol]

A combined 106 tackles? Doesn't AJ usually get that by himself?

 

[volstopfan14]

Most of the time we'll be in the nickel formation so A.J. and Maggitt will be lined up together as LBs.

QB's (not to mention barber's) worst nightmare if the DL can keep the OL occupied.

Actually, when we are in the nickel is when Maggitt will spend most of his time at DE. Reeves-Maybin and AJ would be the linebackers in that situation. When we are in the base 4-3 is when Maggitt would be playing OLB.

 

[BennisDrewer]

A combined 106 tackles? Doesn't AJ usually get that by himself?

It was for the 2013 season...So that's just Johnson's tackle numbers. Not sure why they would include that stat haha

 

[BTAN]

A combined 106 tackles? Doesn't AJ usually get that by himself?

Considering that is 2013 stats and Maggitt redshirted. You are correct AJ did get that by himself.

 

[sonofUT62]

It would be impossible for our defense to be worse than last years.

I don't have the stats in front of me but I'm pretty sure the D finished about 20-25 spots higher than the year before. And that includes swapping NC STate for Oregon.

 

[thebjd]

Actually, when we are in the nickel is when Maggitt will spend most of his time at DE. Reeves-Maybin and AJ would be the linebackers in that situation. When we are in the base 4-3 is when Maggitt would be playing OLB.

This

 

[orangeluvr]

Headhunter U.

 

[jimallvol]

Cant wait to see Maggitt back on the field this fall

 

[gunner]

Isn't Maggit going to play DE primarily?

Recognition is nice regardless.

Yes, according to coach Jones in most passing situations he will play his hand in the dirt to help the Vols generate a better pash rush. On running downs, he's at OLB.

 

[gunner]

For what it's worth Vandy homer Bill King stated this morning that he thinks the defense will be the problem with our team this year.

I think we have improving talent and depth on defense, but I'm not convinced the coaching on defense is where it needs to be for UT to be successful, time will tell.

 

[VolFan4Life87]

Any middle linebacker would look slow with Brent Brewer and Sapp as their running mates. Also, our below average d lines have not helped him either.

Sapp did a pretty stand up job last season; I'd say any secondary is going to look bad if the DL is garbage.

 

[NashVOL93]

Sapp did a pretty stand up job last season; I'd say any secondary is going to look bad if the DL is garbage.

Sapp is an NFL linebacker now. Crazy but true.

 

[NashVOL93]

Most of the time we'll be in the nickel formation so A.J. and Maggitt will be lined up together as LBs.

QB's (not to mention barber's) worst nightmare if the DL can keep the OL occupied.

Maggitt plays DE in our nickel package, not LB. If he sticks around for 2015 there's a good chance he'll move to the DL permanently, as he's literally a perfect fit at the LEO position. We nominally run the LEO scheme now but until we get the players to run it full-time it's more a mix of nickel and base 4-3.

 

[jmkvols]

For what it's worth Vandy homer Bill King stated this morning that he thinks the defense will be the problem with our team this year.

Don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Rock33]

Any middle linebacker would look slow with Brent Brewer and Sapp as their running mates. Also, our below average d lines have not helped him either.

Can't tell if your saying Brewer and Sapp are fast so AJ looked slow, or they were no help so AJ was too slow to cover the entire field ??? Or did I miss all together ?

 

[Nationdom]

Our defense will be better at every level. It will be faster and deeper, I don't understand how someone can not comprehend this.

 

[Volteacher]

Will maggitt return next year?? Or it's there a chance for him to be drafted. Guess it a good thing either way.... Plays CRAZY WELL and gets a chance to go in the 2nd or 3rd round or plays good/decent and returns another year....... Hmmmmmm