There were some linebackers – particularly one – that needed to step up immediately when senior middle ‘backer Keenan Pili went down in the Florida game. To no one’s surprise, that was Jeremiah Telander. However, the sophomore wasn’t the only one needed to help the Vols overcome such a massive loss as Pili.
Enter Jalen Smith, the redshirt freshman who is suddenly playing like a much more experienced defender now that he’s had some more opportunities. After racking up just 14 tackles in the Vols’ previous eight games, Smith showed up big time against Kentucky last week, logging nine tackles against the Cats.
“The one thing we have really liked about Jalen is he has been consistent,” Tennessee linebacker coach William Inge said. “He’s been someone who has been very eager to learn. He’s understood the system and the things that he’s had to do, and probably even more from a preparation standpoint. I think that’s the biggest thing.
Thanks to his dedication to preparing himself, Smith has been a utility-linebacker of sorts. He’s able to play middle linebacker, where Pili once roamed, and outside linebacker, which is probably a better fit for his athleticism.
“He’s really had to turn over the elements of preparation and know exactly what the preparation elements look like,” Inge said. “Seeing him do that, and grasp, in a sense, both positions. We definitely have been very pleased with him…From my perspective, him being more vocal because he is a very humble and quiet person by nature.
“As a linebacker, you have to know that the show doesn’t start until you arrive, and everyone has to know that you are there. From a vocal standpoint, we need him to continue to emerge and be able to speak more.”
Smith may not be talking as much as the Vols’ coaching staff would like, but he’s playing like his coaches would like him too. The former prospect from Grayson (Ga.) High School, which is just outside of Atlanta, didn’t have more than four tackles this season before his coming-out party against Kentucky.
“I would say film study,” 6-foot-2, 230-pounder said when asked what was the key to his game against the Cats. “Just making sure, my eyes are correct everywhere. Just making sure that, I’m locked in on my keys. I think just being prepared, really helped in contributing as well.”
Smith said he was also able to benefit from the Vols’ stellar defensive line against Kentucky. Tennessee’s entire defense will be tested this week, much like the Vol defenders are tested in practice. Like Tennessee’s offense, Mississippi State will try to play as fast as possible when it takes the field against the No. 7 Vols on Saturday at 7 p.m. EST in Neyland Stadium.
“They’re an up-tempo team,” Smith said of State. “So just make sure that we’re ready to go on every play and just that’s really about it. You know, they’re fast and explosive as well. Just got to be ready.”
Most importantly for Smith is that the game seems to be slowing down, which is a surefire sign that he is taking plenty away from all the film study he’s been logging.
“Oh, most definitely,” Smith said. “Playing with everybody, like Keenan as well. He’s helped me a lot…We just make sure that everybody’s on the same page and make sure that everybody’s eyes are on the right things. Everybody’s locked in on their assignments and, uh, preparing the right way.”
Smith said Pili is still helping his fellow linebackers even though his college career is over after suffering a torn ACL in the Florida game. Despite being a team favorite, the Vols have been forced to move on whether they like it or not.
“It’s next man up,” Smith said. “It’s a tough loss. We all love Kennan. And you know we always look up to him and respect him of course. But now that you know he’s gone, we’ve just got next man up and everybody’s got to be ready. And you never know what can happen.
Right now, Smith is happening.
