Thank departed Jeremy Banks for these Tennessee linebackers finally making sense

Aaron Beasley was finally put at his preferred position in the Orange Bowl, the best game of his Tennessee career, and he’s staying there this season.

Thank Jeremy Banks for that.

Seriously, Banks’ absence late last season – albeit frustrating to Vols fans – was a big reason for Beasley flourishing in the Orange Bowl. He switched positions to fill in for Banks.

That led to Beasley changing positions this offseason from middle linebacker to weakside linebacker, what he calls the “fun spot” of UT’s defense in preseason practice.

And the arrival of BYU transfer Keenan Pili, a more traditional middle linebacker, has given the Vols their most clear-cut roles in the linebacking corps in Josh Heupel’s three seasons.

What does Jeremy Banks have to do with it?

Last season, Banks did not play in UT’s ugly 63-38 loss to South Carolina. It appeared to be disciplinary action, perhaps a suspension.

UT struggled to fill Banks’ spot at weakside linebacker. He returned the next game but then opted out of the Orange Bowl to finish his college career.

Beasley moved from middle linebacker to weakside linebacker for the bowl game, where UT beat Clemson 31-14. He dominated with 12 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss, which set his career high and tied the UT bowl record.

Beasley was a guided missile who exploded into the Clemson backfield.

“That’s the Aaron that we expect to see in every game,” linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said. “I think the kid has a unique skill set and a high playmaking ability.”

At middle linebacker (nicknamed Mike), Beasley had to fight through blocks and collisions in the center of the formation. But at weakside linebacker (Will), he could attack in open space and show the athleticism that made him a hard-hitting safety in high school.

“At the Will position you’re outside of the (tackle) box more. You’re able to play a little more free,” said Beasley, who led UT with 76 tackles and 13 tackles for loss last season.

“For me personally, I like Will more. As free as I feel at Will, I don’t feel as free at Mike. That’s how the defense is. Will is the fun spot, for sure.”

UT doesn’t think Keenan Pili is a throwback

Beasley can play both linebacker spots. So don’t be surprised if he moves back to the middle, if needed, because of injuries or matchups. And UT’s scheme is more complex than simply placing its linebackers in predictable spots.

But in preseason practice, Beasley has primarily played weakside linebacker. He’s loving the opportunity it gives him to make disruptive plays.

That move made even more sense when UT snagged Pili in the transfer portal. He is a 6-foot-3, 235-pounder who plays a physical style that fits the middle linebacker mold.

By comparison, Beasley is 6-1, 225 pounds and Banks was 6-1, 224 pounds.

But Jean-Mary doesn’t want to minimize the range of Pili’s abilities.

“When you say ‘traditional Mike,’ I want to be careful,” Jean-Mary said. “(Pili) is not a throwback ‘three yards in a cloud of dust’ guy who just runs into people. He’s a bigger guy, but he’s super athletic.

“We don’t mind putting him in space, blitzing him or putting him into coverage.”

Where Midstate products Elijah Herring, Arion Carter fit

Jean-Mary wants versatile linebackers because it gives him more flexibility. But there’s a value in having players who fit nicely into defined roles.

Beasley at weakside and Pili in the middle make sense, at least from a starting point.

But the Vols want more than two options, which raises questions beyond the starters.

Sophomore Elijah Herring, a former Riverdale standout, is behind Pili at middle linebacker. Last season, he led all UT freshmen with 300 snaps played (188 special teams, 112 defense). Coaches are counting on him to be a regular in the rotation.

Sophomore Kalib Perry is a backup at weakside. Like Beasley, he played defensive back in high school.

Fifth-year senior linebacker Kwauze Garland is out for the season due to lingering injuries from 2022.

Freshman Arion Carter, a former Smyrna standout, is intriguing. In the spring, he showed tremendous talent but also a habit for drifting out of position.

Sometimes Carter’s natural ability compensated for those rookie mistakes. If he can clean them up consistently, he could get into the rotation sooner than later.

“I go out every day to show the coaches that I know my assignment, my alignment, and that I’m going to play to the standard,” Carter said. “It’s up to them (to decide on playing time). But it’s up to me to show that I can play at that level and that they can trust me.”

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Thank Jeremy Banks for Tennessee linebackers finally making sense