Tennessee football 2008: Linebackers

In terms of starting experience, Tennessee's linebackers are the least seasoned on defense heading into fall camp.

Only junior weakside linebacker Rico McCoy returns with more than one career start, leaving the Vols to replace two-year starter Ryan Karl and All-SEC middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, another two-year starter and first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots.

Despite the losses, though, Tennessee has a solid group in place. And it all starts with McCoy.

"Second-team All-SEC last year, and you wonder where he could get better," said defensive coordinator and linebackers coach John Chavis. "He got better (in spring practice) from a pass-coverage standpoint and the disciplines and techniques."

That's a scary proposition considering McCoy, who finished second on the team with 106 tackles last season.

While McCoy is unquestionably the star, senior Ellix Wilson figures to make the transition into the starting lineup with ease. Making his first career start in the Outback Bowl, Wilson recorded six tackles, third-best behind Mayo and safety Jonathan Hefney.

As a fifth-year senior and frequent substitute player, Wilson knows Tennessee's system. Behind Wilson is former Farragut High School standout Nick Reveiz, a special teams ace who has impressed coaches with his work ethic.

At strongside linebacker, typically a position responsible for making play calls and adjustments, Adam Myers-White and Nevin McKenzie will battle for the starting position.

McKenzie, a converted safety in his second season with the Vols after transferring from junior college, has the edge because of his athletic ability. But a minor knee injury early in spring practice effectively ended his on-field time with the Vols until fall camp.

Myers-White, another senior, has seen limited playing time during his career.

"I think we've got some good competition at the (strongside) linebacker position," Chavis said following spring practice. "Right now, the four I would mention would be Rico, Adam Myers-White, Nevin McKenzie and Ellix Wilson."

Those aren't the only players who could contribute at linebacker, though.

Sophomores LaMarcus Thompson and Savion Frazier have earned praise from Chavis and both should see action this fall aside from special teams.

Thompson could move to middle linebacker after spending spring working outside, while Frazier appears to be a playmaker in waiting.

And despite the lack of proven players, McCoy is confident in his teammates' ability to be productive this fall.

"I have no doubts in my mind about the linebacker spot," McCoy said. "Ellix Wilson has been here (five) years now. I've seen him play in practice, and when he got in games he made plays. Nevin McKenzie, Adam Myers-White, come on. We've got guys that can play. I'm not worried about it all."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.