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In his absence, Maggitt has helped develop Tennessee's young DEs

Barnett has taken up the on-field leadership role in Maggitt's absence.

The Tennessee defense was dealt a significant blow when senior defensive end/linebacker Curt Maggitt was injured against Oklahoma. Immediately after Maggitt left the lineup, the Vols defense began to give up one play after another until the team ultimately fell in overtime to the Sooners.

While Maggitt's presence cannot be replaced, his leadership role has proved to be invaluable to the team's younger defenders, according to head coach Butch Jones.

"Any time you don't have Curt Maggitt on the field for you, it hurts you because he meant so much to us," Jones said.