Texas transfer linebacker Juwan Mitchell still trying to impact Tennessee football
Linebacker Juwan Mitchell, a Texas transfer, was expected to be one of Tennessee's best additions in 2021.
A year later, the Vols are still hoping that comes to fruition.
Mitchell’s recovery from a season-ending shoulder injury and his development in the defensive scheme will determine if that happens.
“(Mitchell) was getting better before we decided to shut him down (because of the injury),” linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said. “But our expectation for him is high.”
Mitchell has worn a yellow jersey in spring practice, meaning he can go through drills but can’t take contact. He won’t participate in 11-on-11 team sessions until preseason practices begin in August.
That adds to the suspense of whether Mitchell is an impactful player or a transfer that didn’t pan out. The Vols won’t know until the season.
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“Being healthy is the biggest deal. He has worked really hard to put himself in a position to be able to contribute this year,” defensive coordinator Tim Banks said. “I am really excited (for) once we can totally get him going.”
Mitchell, a 6-foot-1, 235-pounder, led Texas in tackles in 2020. He filled a position of need for the Vols when he transferred to Tennessee last summer, but his impact was short-lived.
Mitchell started at middle linebacker in the season opener against Bowling Green, but he didn’t register a tackle. He made seven tackles and one pass breakup as a backup against Pitt. And he made one tackle against Florida in his final appearance of the season.
Linebackers in better shape than a year ago
Jean-Mary said Mitchell didn’t blend immediately into the roster, but that’s improved greatly over the offseason.
“The No. 1 thing has been his attitude. He has really been buying into the team concept here,” Jean-Mary said. “It’s always a hard thing when you get a kid out of the portal, and they’re going into a different program with different expectations and different rules. That was a struggle early.
“But he’s been great (and) attentive in meetings. (He) has helped his teammates out and has been great in 7-on-7 (drills).”
Development and depth were deficiencies in the linebacking corps last spring. Starters Henry To’o To’o and Quavaris Crouch transferred to Alabama and Michigan State, respectively. Martavius French left the team after being suspended. And injuries thinned the group even further.
Tennessee's linebackers never fully recovered last season, but they’re in better shape now with two starters and key backups returning. Jeremy Banks led the team with 128 tackles and 11½ tackle-for-loss. Aaron Beasley was second with 84 tackles.
Solon Page, who had 39 tackles and an interception for a touchdown, returns as a super senior. Kwauze Garland is back after mostly playing special teams, but Jean-Mary said he wants to get him into the rotation at linebacker.
Aaron Willis, a four-star prospect in the 2021 class, is getting more comfortable in the scheme. Nebraska transfer Jackson Hannah, a former Montgomery Bell Academy standout, and freshman Elijah Herring, a Riverdale product, are debuting for the Vols in spring.
William Mohan is out with an injury.
Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Texas transfer LB Juwan Mitchell still trying to impact Tennessee football
