Tennessee Volunteers Spring Game Recap: What we learned

Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) pressures Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jake Rudock (15) into throwing an incomplete pass in the first quarter of their 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a star

Jalen Reeves-Maybin had a breakout sophomore season last year when he tied for the team lead with 101 tackles and finished third with 11 tackles for loss in his first year as a starter. I think JRM has a chance to be one of the best linebackers in the SEC this season if he takes another leap similar to the one he took last year.

He had five tackles and two of the team’s five sacks in the spring game. The middle linebacker spot is wide open but whoever wins the job will have a trusted veteran leader next to him to help.

“He’s invaluable,” Jones said. He knows all the linebackers spots. He brings an energy about himself. He has great instincts. That was evidenced by his play on special teams his freshman year. He’s becoming one of our leaders on defense and one of our leaders on this football team.”

Next: Cause for concern at WR?