The following is a series comparing former Tennessee players who recently took part in the NFL combine to former UT standouts.
Let’s be clear when evaluating former Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks. There have to be serious concerns about his future in the NFL after his role in the disastrous game against South Carolina that undermined any chance the Vols had to play in the College Football Playoff. Nevertheless, Banks has the ability to stand out in the NFL, as long as he doesn’t put himself above his future NFL team.
Perhaps Banks’ role in the lead up to the Vols’ loss to South Carolina was a one-time thing and Banks will be a model teammate in the NFL. We’ll see. However, as far as his physical ability, Banks has drawn comparisons to an all-time great Vol and an incredible teammate.
Eddie Moore
Unlike Banks, Moore was a captain and an MVP during his senior season as a Vol in 2002 after starting for most of his career. Moore was a great utility linebacker for the Vols that was able to fill in various roles. Moore finished his career with 219 tackles, six sacks, 13 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Banks wasn’t as dependable a starter for Tennessee, having started just 19 games. However, Banks played in 48 games, collected 219 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss including five 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and 10 passes defended. He is projected to be a mid-round pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Moore was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, but his career was hampered by a severe knee injury that required multiple surgeries after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins.
Moore was slightly larger than Banks. Moore played in the NFL at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. Banks is currently listed at 6-1 and 224 pounds
What former Vols do other NFL prospects from Tennessee compare to? Here is a Volunteer side-by-side comparison with Hendon Hooker, Byron Young, Cedric Tillman, Darnell Wright and Jalin Hyatt.
