With A.J. Johnson suspended from all team-related activities, the Tennessee Volunteers have spent the week searching for the individual who will step in and fill the position of UT’s absent leading tackler.
On Wednesday, it was freshman linebacker Jakob Johnson who took command of the vacated role, garnering the majority of the first-team work at the “mike” linebacker spot.
“Today I thought he responded really well,” linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen said. “We were in meetings, and he was actually talking like a sophomore or junior. I thought today he really stepped up. He took command of the huddle, made all the checks and all the adjustments and I was surprised that he responded the way he did.”
The trust in the Stuttgart, Germany native’s ability to take over came late Tuesday night when Johnson was stationed in the Anderson Training Complex studying tape in an effort to improve.
Aside from the work ethic he has shown this week, his coaches have also been impressed with the traits that come naturally to Jakob Johnson.
“”I like his intelligence,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said. “I like his size. I like a lot of the things he’s been able to do in a short amount of time. It’s going to be fun to see him get out there and compete and see what he can do.”
Playing middle linebacker, however, comes with certain responsibilities, but none more important than being the beacon of communication along the defensive unit.
But while some would argue that that task is too much to ask of a true freshman, the defensive coaches say that nothing will change when it comes to where the defensive calls will come from.
“It’s a badge of honor to be a middle linebacker,” Jancek said. “Jakob has to do it. He’s put the time in. He has worked extremely hard. I know he has been up early in the morning looking at film. We’ve challenged him to do so and he has responded well so far.”
And while the absence of A.J. Johnson can felt in the linebacker’s meeting room, Jancek has made it clear where the unit’s focus needs to be.
“Our guys know we have a job to do,” Jancek said. “They are not cancelling the game, so let’s go play. Let’s win”
Crowder out: On Wednesday during his weekly Vol Calls appearance, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones announced that redshirt junior center Mack Crowder will miss the Vols contest against the Tigers because of a high-ankle sprain he suffered versus Kentucky.
Sophomore Dylan Weisman will get the start at center in place of Crowder, marking the first start of his career.
Weisman will be the eighth different offensive lineman to start for the Vols this season.
“Dylan has worked exceptionally hard,” said head coach Butch Jones following Tuesday’s practice. “Now is his opportunity, go take advantage of it. We have asked a lot of him. Playing multiple positions. But he is an individual who works hard. We are going to need him to step up.”
