A Deep Room
The Volunteers enter the upcoming campaign with perhaps the most crowded linebacker room in the SEC, a depth chart that reads like a who's who of experienced playmakers and promising newcomers.
At the center of the unit is Arion Carter, a senior who walked away from a potential NFL draft to return to Knoxville. In his last season he logged 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery across ten games, establishing himself as the defensive anchor.
Joining Carter is Amare Campbell, a Penn State transfer who brings immediate familiarity with the scheme and is expected to start alongside the senior. His transition has been smooth, and coaches believe his presence will elevate the entire group.
Redshirt freshman Edwin Spillman also made a strong impression, finishing the year with 81 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. His blend of size and sideline-to-sideline speed adds another layer of versatility.
The room also retains several other notable contributors — Jadon Perlotte, Jeremiah Telander, Jaedon Harmon and Jordan Burns — while elite freshmen Brayden Rouse and TJ White are expected to push for early playing time. Grier Short and Ryan Scott round out the depth, ensuring that injuries or fatigue will be rarely debilitating.