Redshirt freshman Edwin Spillman began this season as Tennessee’s promising third linebacker behind the junior starting tandem of Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander.
Spillman’s role has shifted recently as the 6-foot-1, 230-pounder has started the past three games while Carter has been battling turf toe. In consecutive contests against Kentucky and Oklahoma, the former standout at Nashville’s Lipscomb Academy racked up 24 combined tackles and collected an interception against the Sooners.
“I’ve loved it,” Spillman said this week in a news conference. “It’s just been amazing getting to run out there and be a part of that defense. The more snaps you get, the more opportunities you get to go make a play.
“As soon as I go in, it’s go time.”
The No. 20 Volunteers, who are 7-3 overall and 3-3 in Southeastern Conference contests, continued preparations Wednesday for their showdown at Florida on Saturday (7:30 p.m. on ABC). The Gators are 3-7 overall and 2-5 within the league but have defeated the Vols 10 straight times in Gainesville.