HOW DOES BITULI FIT IN?
A long, rangy linebacker at 6-foot-3, 230-pounds, Bituli has the length to continue to add weight to at least 240 pounds and keep the athleticism he already has. As an outside linebacker for his Nashville Christian team Bituli was versatile; playing the run well on the inside as well as being a wrecking ball when coming off the edge.
He also has very good speed for someone his size and looks like a really good fit for what the Vols' defense has morphed into under John Jancek. Bituli is someone who could play linebacker in either Tennessee's 4-3 base or it's nickel package.
Likely to be a MIKE linebacker, Bituli does have the size to also play strong and could even grow into the same role Curt Maggitt plays for the Vols if he adds some pass-rushing skills to his tools.
The Vols are starting to build a very strong linebacking group and Bituli adds another piece to the puzzle.
SCOUTING REPORT ON BITULI
Now we turn to Southeast Recruiting Analyst Woody Wommack for his take on Bituli:
"I like Bituli. He's a tall guy who's long and lean and really built to play linebacker. I wouldn't be surprised to see him bulk up to close to 240 and still be able to run with guys he's going to have to deal with in coverage. He flies to the ball when teams try to run it and he can change direction really well for a guy that big. When you're try to defend against spread offenses this is the kind of guy you need and he fits that mold.
"I think Tennessee was his first offer and found him early. A lot of schools have came in since, but having the ability to get in and see guys first and identify them continues to pay off. I think it's a big addition, especially this early, and since he's from Nashville hopefully he's a guy they can keep in the fold and not have to worry about him flipping somewhere else."