How good can our linebacker corps be in 2018.

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

Back in the spring, we got news that Darrin Kirkland jr would be transferring from the university of Tennessee. Then the football gods answered our prayers and CJP was able to convince DK to stay. With that we have two possible all sec caliber players in DK and Bituli in the middle. Then we have Austin smith, and quarte sapp, both guys have shown the ability to be high level linebackers when healthy. Then you look at guys like Dillon bates, Darrell Taylor, Jonathan Kongbo, and Deandre Johnson, who have not logged a lot of time at LB but they have shown potential to be good pass rushers and high energy players. Then you add in some of the unproven younger players like JJ Peterson, Shannon Reid, Will Ignont, Jordan Allen, and Solon Page III. Those last guys I mentioned are unproven but most were highly touted during their recruitments. Can CJP get the younger LBs in a position where they could earn playing time and really push the perceived starters in practice? How good can this LB core be once we iron out starters? I for one think Bituli and Kirkland playing together has the potential to be one of the better LB duos in the SEC, but I only believe that’s possible if they can play their game and not have to worry about covering others mistakes. Overall, I think we have talent at the LB position, how far can that talent take us on defense this year is the question.


GBO

 

[FLVOL_79]

I think the LB group should be nasty. The secondary should be stout as well. I would wager a Schlitz Malt Liquor that the defense will be adequate or better this year..its the O that is worrisome.

 

[bigdaddy]

did I miss that Peterson is cleared to play?

 

[TAF]

I think going to the 3-4 is going to be quite challenging for the experienced players...and the young players won't have the bodies to fill the gaps yet.

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

did I miss that Peterson is cleared to play?

Not yet

 

[Type Orange+]

I know one thing for certain, our LBs are big kids.

Hopefully they will be as menacing to opposing offences as they are large.

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

I think there will be something growing pains early. Hopefully they get better as the year goes along. Something we haven't seen in years

 

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

did I miss that Peterson is cleared to play?

No you didn’t miss anything, should of mentioned in parenthesis by his name- barring academic requirements met. Sorry, Wasn’t intentionally trying to misinform anyone.

 

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

I think going to the 3-4 is going to be quite challenging for the experienced players...and the young players won't have the bodies to fill the gaps yet.

That’s a good point, it will be interesting to see how much 3-4 we are able to run. I will say that all the guys have made good strides in the weight room this summer. I definitely think that will translate into holding up better across the long haul of an sec run, but how much of a difference maker it is remains to be seen though. Rumph taking over the d-line should help out our lb corps imo.

 

[CroKev]

So how exactly is the new 3-4 different than the one Sunseri failed to install a few years ago?

 

[VolEngineer]

So how exactly is the new 3-4 different than the one Sunseri failed to install a few years ago?

We're not going to be strictly 3-4. We're going to run other packages as well which will make the change easier.

 

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

So how exactly is the new 3-4 different than the one Sunseri failed to install a few years ago?

Sunseri wasn’t a good Defense coordinator, he was a position coach Who had never been a Big Time coordinator before. That’s what’s different.

 

[Smokey X]

I think the LB group should be nasty. The secondary should be stout as well. I would wager a Schlitz Malt Liquor that the defense will be adequate or better this year..its the O that is worrisome.

I would intentionally lose a bet to avoid a Schlitz malt liquor.

 

[85SugarVol]

So how exactly is the new 3-4 different than the one Sunseri failed to install a few years ago?

It’s not Sunseri installing it?

 

[RockyTopTexas]

$$$$
Dkjr, Deeno(Bituli), and Sapp

 

[Rudy123]

I think the LB group should be nasty. The secondary should be stout as well. I would wager a Schlitz Malt Liquor that the defense will be adequate or better this year..its the O that is worrisome.

Really? I worry about the secondary as a whole. I like Warrior & Shamburger though.
What am I missing?

 

[Rudy123]

Sunseri wasn’t a good Defense coordinator, he was a position coach Who had never been a Big Time coordinator before. That’s what’s different.

I suspect that no one interested in being a D C for Dooley, so offer Sunseri a promotion and a raise and he comes

 

[Volgrad98]

by Nov., I think our LBs group should be pretty solid. Them with the whole D will show flashes in the beginning but will be inconsistent in their play. That's what I'm expecting and of course JMO. Florida outcome will be interesting, win that one and get a big confidence boost.( I know, thank you capt. obvious)

 

[VFL-82-JP]

It's an interesting question, but I'm to the point where I no longer feel like focusing on any position group. Individual awards, either. I'm ready for TEAM success. The whole offense, the whole defense, the whole Tennessee Volunteers. I'm dying to see that.

 

[sjt18]

So how exactly is the new 3-4 different than the one Sunseri failed to install a few years ago?

They have the right kinds of bodies and enough of them to make the transition. If you'll remember, Dooley tried it and didn't have anything like enough DL's and especially those that can carry a little bulk.

 

[Volanta]

 

[Pepe]

I suspect that no one interested in being a D C for Dooley, so offer Sunseri a promotion and a raise and he comes

Word was that after Dooley's leadership ran off Wilcox and Company that there was no one in the coaching profession that would touch that job with a ten-foot pole. Dooley was forced to hire his buddy from Alabama

 

[Pepe]

It's an interesting question, but I'm to the point where I no longer feel like focusing on any position group. Individual awards, either. I'm ready for TEAM success. The whole offense, the whole defense, the whole Tennessee Volunteers. I'm dying to see that.

It is my opinion that linebackers are the biggest key to a successful defense

 

[VFL-82-JP]

It is my opinion that linebackers are the biggest key to a successful defense

It is my opinion that on any given play, there are precisely 11 equally important keys to a successful defense. Against some teams, like Vandy and Texas El Paso, we may get away with only 10; but usually, against most folks we play, it will take 11.

Curiously, the exact same number comes up as key on offense.

 

[JRVOL11]

Linebackers are gonna be nice, especially once Peterson makes it in .