The Tennessee Volunteers linebacking corps will open the season against Utah State Sunday at Neyland Stadium. The Vols will have their hands full facing dual-threat quarterback Chuckie Keeton and a talented Aggies offense. Playing behind an inexperienced defensive line, the burden will be on the linebackers to contain the elusive Keeton.

Here’s a breakdown of Tennessee’s starting linebackers and the player that could make the biggest impact off the bench:

A.J. Johnson, MLB:

“Mr. 100 tackles”, A.J. Johnson is the heart and soul of Tennessee’s defense. After recording 80 tackles (37 solo) as a true freshman, Johnson posted 138 and 106 total tackles as a sophomore and junior, respectively. Opting to return for his senior season, Johnson looks to cap off a stellar collegiate career and rank among the all-time leaders in program history. Although his individual accolades have been impressive, Johnson has yet to be a part of a winning team and an experienced linebacking group. This season, Johnson will play among the most talented linebacking corps he’s seen over the course of his four-year career.

Curt Maggitt, OLB:

Curt Maggitt is regarded by many as the X-Factor of Tennessee’s defense. Other than Johnson, Maggitt is the most talented player on the opposite side of the football. Maggitt’s biggest concern throughout his career has been health issues. He suffered a shoulder stinger in high school that’s lingered through his collegiate career . As a sophomore, Maggitt played through a turf toe injury before suffering a torn ACL that ended his season and forced him to miss 2013. If healthy, Maggitt provides the perfect complement to Johnson. Maggitt will line up at defensive end in nickel formations, and will play outside linebacker out of the standard 4-3 defense. His pass rushing skills will be the perfect answer to the mobile Keeton, bringing pressure or working as a spy.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, OLB:

Jalen Reeves-Maybin will see an increased role in 2014. As a true freshman, Reeves-Maybin played in all 11 games, however, made zero starts at outside linebacker. Instead, the former Clarksville Northeast standout was Tennessee’s best player on special teams, totaling a team-high 11 tackles and was responsible for at least one tackle in six consecutive games (9/21-11/2). The four-star prospect was a top recruit in Butch Jones’ salvaged, two-months on the job, 2013 recruiting class. Reeves-Maybin will have the advantage of playing with two veteran linebackers and should excel in his new role.

Best of the rest:

Dillon Bates is a second-generation Volunteer. His father, Bill Bates, was a standout safety that went on to play professionally for the Dallas Cowboys. The four-star prospect will likely see action as a freshman in some capacity. However, Vol fans should hope that Bates is more of an insurance policy as a freshman than an every down starter with the veteran group avoiding injuries.