Why Tennessee Is A Good Place For Edwin Spillman, The Player
The Vols and four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman (Nashville, Tenn.) have been linked together for years. Tennessee offered him in April 2021 and then proceeded to sign his older brother, 2023 three-star wide receiver Nate Spillman. With a decision upcoming, Tennessee is a finalist for his services, alongside the Ohio State Buckeyes. Most consider Tennessee to be in the driver's seat, primarily because the Vols have built relationships with him.
Being the in-state kid is a good feeling, having your older brother on campus is a huge benefit, not to mention Spillman is high school teammates with four-star Tennessee corner commit Kaleb Beasley, and the two have had great success at Lipscomb Academy. However, Spillman wants to make a decision independent of those things, as scheme fit and development are important things to him. Spillman has NFL aspirations, which is what makes Ohio State intriguing, but his best fit is with the Vols, off the field and on it.
Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary has made it clear what he wants from a MIKE linebacker. "The middle linebackers are always going to be the captain of the defense and through history that is proven," Jean-Mary explained in March 2021. "So, that guy is going to have to be the captain, he's going to have to be the guy that communicates with the front four guys, and the defensive line and outside linebackers and communicate with the secondary." Lipscomb allotted Spillman many of these responsibilities during his standout junior campaign. On any given play, you can see him adjusting the front, calling out motions, or getting his fellow linebackers up to speed on their gap responsibilities.
2024 LB Edwin Spillman during his official visit to Tennessee on June 16
Spillman is 6-1 and 220 pounds, both of which check the prerequisite size marks that Tennessee wants from a MIKE linebacker. Senior starter Aaron Beasley (Franklin, Ga.) is 6-1 and 225 pounds, and Beasley has tallied 160 tackles for Tennessee over the past two seasons. Spillman's athleticism exceeds what the Vols are used to at the MIKE linebacker position. He works through his keys well and gets from gap to gap. The Vols allow their linebackers to chase after the ball carrier without contact, as the front four's job is to anchor them up front.
He's a vicious hitter at the point of attack. Spillman uses sound form when tackling and delivers through his front shoulder, leaving offensive players on their backs. Tennessee needs someone to play aggressive and imprint their will on opposing offenses.
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