Aaron Beasley Bolstering His Claim As Top SEC LBer
The best part of the Tennessee viewing experience every week has been watching inside linebacker Aaron Beasley operate. The passing offense has faltered through three games, and the rushing attack was inefficient against SEC competition, but the one constant is No. 6 making plays in the middle of the defense.
The fifth-year standout has totaled 20 tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections through three games. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks has utilized him on blitzes through the A-gap on critical downs, lining him up behind a towering defensive tackle duo and stunting them inside. Beasley makes plays in big moments, plays with sound technique, and is rarely in the wrong spot.
The difference between his 2022 tape and what he's put on film this year is the leadership. Beasley is the heartbeat of this defense - they operate as he goes. When they need someone to silence the crowd or halt a mounting drive, Beasley is tasked with making the play. He takes everything in stride, keeping his teammates on the same page and elevating those around him.
There are legitimate NFL qualities to his game. He isn't the biggest guy at 6-1 and 225 pounds, and he may not be the best athlete on the field, but Beasley gets himself in the right location and comes prepared. The attention to detail and effort set the tone for everyone else - if our best player is preparing this way, we must match that level. The defense hasn't been perfect through three games, and there are issues to be addressed, but they've looked better than they did in 2022.
Tennessee Volunteers ILB Aaron Beasley during a win over Austin Peay on September 9th, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel)
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