Butch Jones talks up linebackers, Shy Tuttle following Saturday’s practice
By Kevin Duffey
Published:
This spring is critical for Tennessee for several reasons. The program is embarking on a big-time turnaround and is hoping to compete for a division title under Butch Jones, and there’s much anticipation and optimism surrounding spring practice.
Following Saturday’s first padded practice, Butch Jones met with the media, and he talked up his linebackers and freshman defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, among others.
Replacing AJ Johnson’s production at middle linebacker is on the forefront of Butch Jones’ mind this spring, and the guy he wants to take the job and run with it is Dillon Bates. Bates is a Tennessee legacy, and he’s a natural, fluid linebacker, as Jones indicates. Getting him healthy and getting him experience is crucial.
JONES: It’s good to have @dillonbates back in pads. Playing LB is like riding a bike for him. You can see his instincts starting to kick in.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 28, 2015
Jalen Reeves-Maybin is the defense’s biggest playmaker and top returning tackler, and he’s growing into a bonafide leader on the football field. With Reeves-Maybin as the leader and an emerging producer in Bates, the linebacker position becomes a strength.
JONES: I love @Finally_Maybin. He’s committed to our program, a great leader. He’s a great mentor for @Cortez_mcdowell. — Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 28, 2015
This nugget will get Tennessee fans giddy about 2015. While the Vols could boast the SEC’s top defensive line, led by Derek Barnett, who’s out for spring practice, defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and incoming tackle Kahlil McKenzie are crucial for continued success and furthered development. And Tuttle made his presence known Saturday.
JONES: One individual who really stepped up and made his presence felt was @KingTut_90.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 28, 2015
JONES: @KingTut_90 came off the football. You could see his competitive nature and his instincts with the pads on now. — Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 28, 2015
Jones also added a nugget that should also terrify defenses:
JONES: @A_kamara6 and @MrHurd_1 are complementary backs to one another. I see them really feeding off of each other.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 28, 2015
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
