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Tennessee Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers tackles Austin Carr #80 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers tackles Austin Carr #80 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting middle linebacker: Darrin Kirkland Jr.
Backup: Daniel Bituli

The Volunteers have an interesting 4-2 look up front while the defensive backfield has a nickel position to play the hybrid linebacker/defensive back role. At middle linebacker, junior Darrin Kirkland Jr. returns to his starting spot. He finished eighth on the team in tackles last season with 45, to go along with five tackles for loss and a sack. He’s growing into a leader on this side of the ball.

Sophomore Daniel Bituli looks to be his eventual replacement at middle linebacker. The former four-star outside linebacker has made the switch to inside and played well during his freshman season, although in limited action. He recorded nine total tackles, but you can expect to see his role increase in 2017.

Related Story: Tennessee Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Starting outside linebacker: Cortez McDowell
Backup: Quart’e Sapp

As for the outside linebacker position, senior Cortez McDowell leads the way. He’s not a returning starter, but he does bring some experience to the table. He finished seventh on the team in total tackles last season with 54 and he also had four tackles for loss, an interception and two pass deflections. The then-junior was all over the field and his aggression was appreciated, but he needs to step up big-time.

In fact, Tennessee’s defense ranked just 104th in the nation against the run last year, and that has to change. Sophomore Quart’e Sapp has the talent to stop the bleeding as well. He could be a potential breakout star.

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