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Jalen Reeves-Maybin was Tennessee’s best player on special teams last season. As a freshman, Reeves-Maybin recorded a team-best 11 tackles and had at least one tackle on special teams in six games in a row (Sept. 21-Nov. 2). He was also responsible for a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown by Devaun Swafford in Tennessee’s rally against heavily favored Georgia to eventually force overtime.
In 2014, Reeves-Maybin will start at outside linebacker in both the 4-3 and nickel defensive schemes. He will join a linebacker corps that includes A.J. Johnson– Tennessee’s starting middle linebacker whose name has made just about every preseason watch list possible– and Curt Maggitt, a talented pass rusher that missed the entire 2013 season recovering from ACL knee surgery. The duo is one of the most talented linebacking pairs in the conference. If Reeves-Maybin is ready to take on his new role, Tennessee will boast a talented trio at linebacker.
Reeves-Maybin has very little experience playing the position at the collegiate level, but he made the most of his limited playing time against eventual-SEC champion Auburn. Reeves-Maybin tied his career-best three tackles, which accounted for all his tackles out of a defensive formation. From a talent perspective, Reeves-Maybin should make a successful transition from special teams to defense.
The former four-star prospect played both sides of the football in high school and was a first-team all-state linebacker as both a junior and senior. He has the ability to excel at several positions, though his size and natural instincts are best suited for linebacker.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Reeves-Maybin has the perfect opportunity to be a strong contributor to the Tennessee defense this season. Tennessee’s young defensive line has even less experience than Reeves-Maybin and will need the help of a strong linebacking trio.
Sunday’s game will be a learning experience for Reeves-Maybin, as he faces an elusive dual-threat quarterback and a solid running back. Facing the Utah State offense will provide experience for the young defensive player in his adjustment to an every down SEC linebacker.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
