It’s been a long road for Tennessee DE/OLB Curt Maggitt. Entering as a four-star prospect, Maggitt faced high expectations in Knoxville.

As a true freshman, the West Palm Beach, Fla., native recorded 56 tackles (29 solo, 27 assisted), before battling injuries the next two seasons. Maggitt was limited to nine appearances as a sophomore, before being forced to take a medical redshirt in 2013.

His potential was a mystery to Tennessee fans entering the 2014 season. When healthy, Maggitt looked the part of a blue chip prospect on the verge of becoming an SEC standout. But that was the problem, injuries ended each of his first three seasons early.

But that wasn’t the case in 2014, as the redshirt junior enjoyed a breakthrough year for Tennessee. Maggitt led the Vols with 11 sacks and was second in tackles for loss (14). The move from an every down outside linebacker to a linebacker/defensive end hybrid helped the former Dwyer High School standout meet lofty expectations.

Maggitt brought a veteran presence to a defense that lacked experience. Tennessee’s defensive line returned zero starters. Aside from A.J. Johnson, Maggitt was the only linebacker to have prior starting experience. Maggitt’s presence in both units helped the Vols force an opposing third down conversion rate of 34 percent and see a noticeable defensive improvement in 2014.

Tennessee is fortunate to get Maggitt back for an extra season. With Johnson’s departure, Maggitt is an obvious choice as the leader of the Vols defense.

In Tennessee’s final two games, the redshirt junior assumed the responsibilities of guiding the defense while Johnson severed a suspension. Maggitt dominated with three sacks, including two in the Vols Week 14 win against Vanderbilt.

The redshirt junior’s maturity and progress shined through in 2014 and placed him among the nation’s best pass rushers. Maggitt should continue his success in 2015 and play a vital role in Tennessee’s quest to reclaim its dominance.