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Vols seeking middle linebacker to help lead talented defense

AUG 8, 2015 at 7:27p ET

AUG 8, 2015 at 7:27p ET

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The biggest question facing Tennessee's defense is whether it can solve its riddle in the middle.

The Volunteers must find a middle linebacker to replace A.J. Johnson, who ranked as the second-leading tackler in school history before his college career ended abruptly last November amid a rape investigation. Defensive coordinator John Jancek has described the competition as ''wide open,'' and head coach Butch Jones listed six candidates for the job at the start of training camp.

''We all rotate and we get about equal reps, so it's still a pretty open competition,'' said redshirt freshman Dillon Bates, one of the contenders.