Best Linebacker duo since...

#1
VOLywood

VOLywood

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#1
The best linebacker duo I can remember based on recruiting rankings (not career performance) is A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt. If you go back to their rankings, they were #7 and #8 at their position based on 247 composite. (Yes, there were probably LB duos in the 90's that were more highly rated, but following recruiting for the average fan wasn't a thing back then.)

The '26 recruiting class of T.J. White and Brayden Rouse are ranked #4 and #7 at their position.

Anybody remember a more highly rated LB duo in the same recruiting class? I think our defense will be trending up over the next few years based on talent pipeline. Wouldn't it be fantastic to have a top performing defense AND for Faizon and Tristen to live up to the hype?
 
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#2
#2
VOLywood said:
The best linebacker duo I can remember based on recruiting rankings (not career performance) is A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt. If you go back to their rankings, they were #7 and #8 at their position based on 247 composite. (Yes, there were probably LB duos in the 90's that were more highly rated, but following recruiting for the average fan wasn't a thing back then.)

The '26 recruiting class of T.J. White and Brayden Rouse are ranked #4 and #7 at their position.

Anybody remember a more highly rated LB duo in the same recruiting class? I think our defense will be trending up over the next few years based on talent pipeline. Wouldn't it be fantastic to have a top performing defense AND for Faizon and Tristen to live up to the hype?
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then...


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Some old fart will say Steve Kiner. Amirite @InVOLuntary ?
 
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#11
#11
Jackcrevol said:
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then...


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Some old fart will say Steve Kiner. Amirite @InVOLuntary ?
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I'm familiar with all the UT greats since I started watching Tennessee football in the late 80's.

What I'm saying is that in the modern era of recruiting sites such as Rivals and 247, I can't recall two linebacker recruits In the same class as highly rated as what we have committed for '26 right now.
 
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#12
#12
vol4eva said:
We had very good linebackers in the mid 2000s.

Kevin Burnett, Omar Gaither, Jerod Mayo all come to mind
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Interesting rankings - I looked up Jerod Mayo's ranking and he was the #8 OLB with Robert Ayers as the #9 ILB in the same class. Ayers was rated higher than Mayo.
 
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#13
#13
VOLywood said:
I'm familiar with all the UT greats since I started watching Tennessee football in the late 80's.

What I'm saying is that in the modern era of recruiting sites such as Rivals and 247, I can't recall two linebacker recruits In the same class as highly rated as what we have committed for '26 right now.
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that's not at all what i gleaned from the question, but ok. I started following recruiting in 2000. Casey was a 4 star, I believe.

Ksi was a five star out of De Lesalle


I believe Kevin Burnett was a **** Safety out of SoCal. that just based on my recollection.

UTK says he was a prepstar all american, and second team prep Cali. don't care what their rankings were, they were really good.

I recall Larry was the guru back then.

calling @LWSVOL
 
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#15
#15
OrangeMoundTNVol said:
Rouse/White along with Spillman/Perlotte/Harmon are a great position group. Just need DBs to make it all go.
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Need big strong DTs.
Robinson and Hobbs were the only DT that showed some ability to disrupt. Everyone else was getting blocked 1 on 1. And were losing Eason, Bailey, Moi.

We got some good young talent but it will still be kind of young next season.

DT dropped way off in one season. Its crazy how ineffective they are.
 
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#16
#16
LittleVol said:
Need big strong DTs.
Robinson and Hobbs were the only DT that showed some ability to disrupt. Everyone else was getting blocked 1 on 1. And were losing Eason, Bailey, Moi.

We got some good young talent but it will still be kind of young next season.

DT dropped way off in one season. Its crazy how ineffective they are.
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CRG will address that this offseason. And House looks better than most people know due to little PT. Bring in the Jackson MS kid, the Juco kid and two portal guys. The room will be right back locked and loaded. The d-line play has yet to disappoint with CRG at the helm. Jordan Ross will be an animal on the edge next year, book it.
 
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#17
#17
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#21
#21
LittleVol said:
Need big strong DTs.
Robinson and Hobbs were the only DT that showed some ability to disrupt. Everyone else was getting blocked 1 on 1. And were losing Eason, Bailey, Moi.

We got some good young talent but it will still be kind of young next season.

DT dropped way off in one season. Its crazy how ineffective they are.
Click to expand...
Campbell and Utley are playing as true Freshman. They will be bigger and stronger next season. They do need to continue the trend of picking up a DT in the portal.
 
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