2020 Unit Rankings – Linebackers

So far, here’s where the Vols’ units have ranked in the SEC heading into the 2020 season:

• Quarterbacks, No. 4
• Running backs, No. 4
• Wide receivers, No. 10
• Offensive line, No. 2
• Defensive line, No. 2

Today, we’ll look at the linebackers.

2020 SEC Linebacker Rankings

	The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t just have the SEC’s best defense last season, they had the nation’s third-best defense, holding opponents to an average of only 276 yards per game. That accomplishment was due in large part to an elite linebacking corps, and most of it is back for more this fall. They’ll miss Tae Crowder, but there’s an entire fleet of elite guys returning, including starters Monty Rice and Azeez Ojulari. They also added MJ Sherman (GSEC25) to the mix this year.
	2019 Total Defense (in yards per game)	Returning Production			Unit Recruiting Ranking
1		Sacks	TFLs	Tackles
	276	17.5	26	248	1

	2019 Total Defense (in yards per game)	Returning Production			Unit Recruiting Ranking	The Aggies return 99% of their linebacker production in 2020, including Anthony Hines III and Buddy Johnson.
		Sacks	TFLs	Tackles
2	340	5	25.5	185	6
	2019 Total Defense (in yards per game)	Returning Production			Unit Recruiting Ranking	Kash Daniel is gone, but this unit is in good hands with starters DeAndre Square and Jamar Watson leading the way.
		Sacks	TFLs	Tackles
3	322	12	26	223	8
	2019 Total Defense (in yards per game)	Returning Production			Unit Recruiting Ranking	Auburn returns 94% of its linebacker production this fall, including K.J. Britt, Zakoby McClain, and Owen Pappoe.
		Sacks	TFLs	Tackles
4	337	6	28	230	7

Additional comments

There’s not much to see here for Vols fans except to note that replacing Daniel Bituli and Darrell Taylor is probably Job One for the defense this season.

You may recall that we have Georgia’s defensive line ranked No. 1, too, adding fuel to our belief that as good as the Bulldogs’ defense was last year, it could be even better this year. It’s also interesting to note that Georgia’s sacks generally come from the ‘backers rather than the linemen.

Oh, and look. There’s Kentucky again.

Your thoughts

What do y’all think? Where did we get it right? Where are we wrong?