Big Orange Report July 10, 2025

 

Meet the Vols 2025

Linebackers/Leos (outside pass rushers)

Position Coaches-- William Inge, Levorn "Chop" Harbin

All Star Candidates-- Josh Josephs, Arion Carter

Josh Josephs-- Senior (6-3, 245, 4.65) from Kennesaw, Georgia-- Josephs may be on the threshold of stardom after logging almost as many snaps as the starter at the LEO position last season. As a matter of fact, he was named the SEC's Defensive Lineman of the Week after forcing not one, but two fumbles against the Oklahoma Sooner offense. Over the past two autumns, JJ has registered 70 total tackles, 16 stops for minus yardage, 5.5 quarterback sacks and 16 quarterback hurries with a determined rush from the edges. The staff is also looking for him to be more assertive and take a leadership role with the defense this year.

Caleb Herring-- Junior (6-5, 247, 4.6) from Newnan, Georgia and Riverdale H.S. in Tennessee-- One of the most athletic players at the line of scrimmage and first level of the defense, Herring was ranked the No. 1 prospect in Tennessee and a top 10 edge rusher by both Rivals (No. 4) and ESPN (No. 8). Herring has a great burst and first step and was a standout on Vol special teams a year ago. He is expected to be the key backup for Joesphs in 2025.

Arion Carter-- Junior (6-1, 236, 4.55) from Smyrna, Tn. -- Carter's name is popping up on some pre-season all star checklists after he led the Volunteers in tackles last season with 68 stops and 7 tackles for lost yardage. He was a one-man wrecking crew against Kentucky with 10 tackles. Ranked the No. 5 linebacker recruit in the nation by ESPN coming out of high school, Carter has great instincts and is a downhill tackler. His interception and 15-yard return set up a tying field goal vs. Florida that helped send the game to overtime and allow UT to grab a 23-17 victory. Carter is an experienced defender now and should be a leader and possible play caller for alignments on the field pre-snap.

Jeremiah Telander-- Junior (6-2, 235, 4.7) from Gainesville, Georgia-- In his first two years in Knoxville, Telander participated in 25 games and booked 43 total tackles. He became the starter for the final seven games last fall after veteran Keenan Pili went down with a season ending injury. In his first start he had five tackles against Florida.  Telander is a hard nosed, heat seeking hitter who has been working very hard on his pass coverage skills in order to become a complete and reliable middle linebacker.

Edward Spillman-- Sophomore (6-1, 234, 4.55) from Nashville (Lipscomb H.S.)-- One of the highest rated linebackers across the recruiting sites after a stellar senior high school campaign, Spillman was slowed by injury in 2024 but is expected to be physically ready to go next month in practice. He was a tackling machine at Lipscomb, accumulating 305 tackles and 49 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He helped lead his team to a perfect 13-0 record and a state title in 2022. Spillman had his choice of football powers during recruiting with 33 offers including nine from SEC schools.

Jordan Ross--Sophomore (6-5, 247, 4.6) from Vestavia Hills, Alabama-- Ross was an elite five star ranked prospect that was tabbed the No. 1 edge defender in the Class of '24. He also made the top 25 overall recruits on three of the four major recruiting services. He was an Under Armour All American and had 11 SEC offers. After a somewhat sluggish freshman year, Ross gets his chance to blossom into a force on the edge for the Big Orange.

Jordan Burns-- Red Shirt Sophomore (6-1, 228, 4.55) from Conyers, Georgia-- Burns was a two-way star in high school at both linebacker and running back. ESPN slotted him as the No. 11 inside linebacker prospect in the country. Burns is considered to be a premiere athlete who plays a physical brand of football.

Position Summary

This group of athletes looks very impressive on paper and have flashed in practice. What they may lack in experience can be offset with their speed, agility and quickness off the snaps. Josephs and Herring are pass rushers first but can also drop off and defend against the pass in the short, outside zones. Spillman and Ross need to step up and become legitimate factors for the purposes of production and depth on Tim Banks' defense this season.

Vol Notes

The unofficial start of the football season gets underway next week when the coaches gather for the annual media days in Alabama. The event will be televised on the SEC network. Vol head man Josh Heupel is scheduled to be the third coach up on the Tuesday, July 15th. 

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