Jeremy Banks, Tennessee’s top linebacker from last season, met with teams and scouts at the NFL Draft combine Wednesday to discuss what he brings to the table for his future time in the NFL.

Banks also spoke some on his past at Tennessee, including an interesting nugget about the Vols’ horrible loss to South Carolina in the penultimate game of the regular season.

The Vols were demolished in that game by Spencer Rattler and Shane Beamer’s offense, giving up a spot in the College Football Playoff as a result. Banks was absent from that game for reasons he decided not to divulge Wednesday, though it may have to do with an altercation at practice the week prior. Of course, that is not confirmed.

Whatever the reason, Banks insisted there was no reason he should have missed Tennessee’s loss to South Carolina.

“It was just a competitive environment and everybody competing to get a spot,” Banks said, via the Knoxville New Sentinel. “We’re here now. There was no reason I should’ve been not playing to help my team get in the playoffs and compete for a national championship.”

Where Tennessee can turn at LB moving forward

Banks will not return to Tennessee, leaving limited experience yet a lot of optimism for the Vols’ remaining LB corps. Aaron Beasley will be back next season, a huge victory for Tennessee as he was the team’s top tackler last season. BYU transfer Keenan Pili will also find some playing time for Tim Banks’ defense in 2023.

The Vols also have a solid tandem of freshmen linebackers that will battle for snaps in Year 1, including Jalen Smith, Arion Carter and Jerimiah Telander.