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Tennessee's Jeremiah Telander has full confidence in freshman Edwin Spillman

On3 imageby: Brent Hubbs12/10/24Brent_Hubbs
Edwin Spillman (47), Tennessee Football | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK) Tennessee linebacker Edwin Spillman (47) during UT spring football practice on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said on Sunday that the Vols used last week to get some younger guys more developmental work as many veterans rested and the Vols awaited their playoff opponent. 

One of the guys getting that work was freshman linebacker Edwin Spillman. Spillman has played 30 defensive snap in three games played this season as a broken wrist had him sidelined most of the year. Spillman returned to action against Vanderbilt playing 9 snaps. Fellow linebacker Jeremiah Telander believes the freshman is ready to roll. 

“Ed Spill (Edwin Spillman) has been in that meeting room every single day and he’s ready for his opportunity as you saw against Vandy he got some good reps. He’s just been chomping at the bit to get out there and play,” Telander said. 

Spillman’s opportunity could be a week from Saturday as the Vols travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State (Dec. 21, 8pm ET, ABC). Redshirt freshman linebacker Jalen Smith averaged 27 snaps a game since Keenan Pili’s injury in the Florida game. However, Smith officially entered the transfer portal on Monday which means Spillman’s opportunity is likely now.

“The whole team mindset is next man up. If you are not preparing for your opportunity then when your number is called it’s going to be shown,” Telander said. 

Telander believes Spillman will be ready and there’s no extra cram sessions for Spillman and no worry because of the committed Spillman has had to his craft even while being sidelined. Tennessee’s linebackers are one of the first position groups in the complex every morning and one of the last to leave logging an enormous amount of film hours. 

“That’s something we have done this entire season. That’s why I have so much respect for Spillman because he’s be there for the extra meetings and even after night meetings we are staying longer just so he can be in tune with what we are going to do,” Telander said. “I think it’s just going to be a normal preparation week for him. Of course we are going to do some extra. Finals are done. All we have to do is worry about football and yea, Edwin is going to be ready for his opportunity.” 

And opportunity that could come on the biggest stage of the year for the Vols.

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