Tennessee football’s linebackers will enter a new era in 2024.
The unit will now be coached by William Inge, who joins the Tennessee staff from the University of Washington. Inge was part of a coaching staff that saw the Huskies win the Pac-12 and reach the College Football Playoffs.
Now in spring practice, defensive coordinator Tim Banks can see the impact that Inge has on the linebacker unit.
“The biggest thing for me is the relationship he has with our guys because that’s what it’s about, building relationships,” Banks said. “Man, he hit the ground running. The guys love him. He’s a great teacher, just a great personality and we really hit the jackpot with him.”
Edwin Spillman joins Vols
A 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker, Edwin Spillman enrolled at Tennessee after spring break, leaving Lipscomb Academy early to enroll for spring practice. He wanted to have the additional experience that comes with offseason workouts.
“Really just getting that first spring under our belt, and I just felt like it would give me an upper hand almost to just possibly getting on the field early,” Spillman said. “It was just high school. If we could finish it, we finished it.”
Spillman joins the Vols as a four-star recruit and the 28th linebacker in the country by 247Sports Composite rankings. When Spillman signed, the linebacker unit was still coached by Brian Jean-Mary. Although Inge wasn’t part of Spillman’s recruiting process, the freshman has already enjoyed playing as a part of his unit.
“Every single day when we walk in, he just tells us that nobody’s perfect and there’s always something that we could all work on,” Spillman said. “He really tries to push everybody and make sure everybody gives their best 24/7.”
Keenan Pili eyes return
After Keenan Pili’s injury against Virginia, he decided to use an extra year to return for the 2024 season. He played 12 games for BYU in 2022 but was only able to play one game with the Vols in 2023. Since then, he has undergone rehab and looks to return for his final season.
Even though he couldn’t be on the field last season, he still made an impact in the locker room.
“Not being able to play as much football as he wanted to last year was tough, but at the same time, he was around,” Banks said. “He got a chance to build with his teammates and build with chemistry, so I know all those guys were excited to see him back on the field.”
Pili’s veteran presence is especially important for the linebackers due to the coaching change. As Inge tries to implement his system, he can turn to leaders like Pili to make an impact.
At BYU in 2022, Pili recorded 62 total tackles, including 29 solo tackles. He also earned a sack, a pass deflection and a forced fumble. That impact will soon be felt on the field for the Vols, as Pili was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. But he still has work to do ahead of the fall season.
“It was important for us to knock the rust off, but obviously, it’s important for us to get him to Saturdays,” Banks said. “So far so good. We’re just kind of working him back in. I wouldn’t say he’s going to take 100, but he’s definitely going to take his lion’s share of it. We’re excited for him.”
