Forgotten player could play important role for Tennessee Vols in 2022
One of the Tennessee Vols' biggest additions after Josh Heupel's arrival last year came in May when linebacker Juwan Mitchell arrived as a transfer from Texas. Mitchell, a former three-star recruit, was the Longhorns' leading tackler in 2020. He came to Tennessee with the expectation that he'd immediately play an important role on the defensive […]
One of the Tennessee Vols' biggest additions after Josh Heupel's arrival last year came in May when linebacker Juwan Mitchell arrived as a transfer from Texas.
Mitchell, a former three-star recruit, was the Longhorns' leading tackler in 2020. He came to Tennessee with the expectation that he'd immediately play an important role on the defensive side of the ball.
But unfortunately for Mitchell and the Vols, the talented linebacker battled injuries last season and wasn't able to make an impact on Rocky Top. Mitchell finished the season with eight total tackles and one pass defensed.
The 2021 season was essentially a lost year for Mitchell, which has resulted in the New Jersey native becoming a "forgotten player" on Tennessee's roster.
Mitchell, however, could still end up playing a big role for the Vols in 2022 — assuming he's healthy and ready to go this season.
Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks is hoping that will be the case.
“Obviously, we had tremendous expectations for Mitchell coming in," said Banks during a recent appearance on 104.5 The Zone's The Buck Reising Show. "He started off quickly, and he obviously had a setback with an injury."
“He’s working to be 100 percent, and we’re very confident, once fall starts, he will have a chance to get back on the horse, so to speak, and continue to compete," added Banks.
"Obviously, we feel like we’ve created some depth at that position, and we feel like we’ve recruited at a high level at that position, and some of the guys that obviously played last year are returning, as well. Hopefully, with his addition, it can only become a strength of our defense at that linebacker spot."
"We’re anxious to get him back at full speed, and I know he’s worked really hard with his rehab. And we feel like he’s heading in the right direction, and excited to get him back this fall.”
The Vols' lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball is one of the biggest issues the program will face in 2022. If Mitchell is healthy and ready to contribute, it will instantly give Tennessee's linebacker group a boost.
Mitchell has the potential to be a key player for the Vols this upcoming season. If Tennessee is going to take a big step forward in Heupel's second season, then they'll need players like Mitchell to step up and contribute in a big way.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services
