TENNESSEE VOLS FOOTBALL: Linebacker depth will be a key asset

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When adversity hits, like it always does in a football game, strength in numbers can be a way to handle it.

It's what the Tennessee linebackers plan to do as this season gets rolling.

Volunteer linebacker coach William Inge will have a unit filled with veterans on a defense that is starved to recover from last year's frustration.

"It is a room that is still, as we would say, growing and developing," Inge said. "The one thing that we can see is you can see a definite impact from the things that coach D.O. (strength coach Derek Owings) had to do with them in the weight room, where you could see some true transformation of bodies. The mental aspects of everything, for those guys, growing and getting in their preparations during summertime, it's definitely great to see. And now you can see some fast, explosive play."

The Tennessee linebackers possess a balanced mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent enter their first year under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Four experienced returners in Amare Campbell, Arion Carter, Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander have combined for 124 career games played with 76 starts, 599 total tackles, 51 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.

Campbell's experience has been particularly valuable as Tennessee implements Knowles' defensive system. The senior transferred to Tennessee from Penn State, where he played for Knowles before the longtime defensive coordinator was hired on Rocky Top this past offseason.Campbell has embraced a leadership role within the group, using his familiarity with the defense and his experience on the field to help his teammates.

"Amare has done a really good job of helping lead the group," Inge said. "The one thing that he does, which is so great, is he could be what we call, like the quiet or the silent coach. He can pull the teammate aside and tell him the perspective of someone who's actually done it on the football field. There are some things we can tell them from a technique or an execution standpoint, but Amare can give them the hands-on, this is what you're going to be able to see, perspective."

Campbell is joined by Carter and Telander as three senior, veteran leaders in the room. Carter, a 2026 preseason All-SEC and Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list selection, led the SEC with 7.6 tackles per game last season, while Telander returns for his fourth season after recording a career-high 80 tackles in 2025.

"From an experience standpoint, for sure, but the one thing that our mission from a recruiting standpoint, and we talk about this when we come into their homes, it's going to be about leadership and production," Inge said. "So, those are the things that we teach and preach from day one … When you're on the football field, you have to make sure that you command the defense. You are the quarterback."

Beyond the veteran core, Inge has seen continued growth from a younger group that includes Jordan Burns, Jaedon Harmon, Jadon Perlotte, Ryan Scott and Grier Short. Freshmen Brayden Rouse and TJ White also joined the program in the spring and have continued their development through the offseason.

With the group now working in pads, Inge emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the younger linebackers.

"The biggest thing is just them continuing to understand the standard of how we practice, improving in the fundamental play when it comes to hands inside, thumbs to the sky, keeping your eyes exactly where they are supposed to be or the footwork and body position standpoint," Inge said. "Because if we can make sure that their foundation is built correctly, they will be limitless with the talent they have."

The Volunteers continue preseason camp Sunday as they prepare for the 2026 season opener against Furman on Sept. 5 at Neyland Stadium. 

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