The news on Tuesday that senior linebacker Keenan Pili would be playing one more season gave Tennessee a major boost. In the season’s opening game against Virginia, Pili—who transferred in from BYU last offseason—was hurt. Though he was unable to come back, he now has another opportunity.
Tennessee senior linebacker Keenan Pili is expected to return to the Vols for another season instead of heading to the NFL, sources tell @247sports.
Pili, a former BYU transfer, missed most of the year due to injury. Was a two-time team captain at BYU.https://t.co/O5dxjyk2jo pic.twitter.com/UpGW502Uzp
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 5, 2023
By season’s end, Tennessee’s depth at linebacker was suffering. The Vols lost outstanding freshman Arion Carter in addition to Pili. Against Missouri and Georgia, the linebacker position was clearly problematic.
Prior to the UConn game last month, Heupel stated, “Keenan’s not ready to go in this one.” Thus, we’ll keep an eye on his development and his capacity to return to the field here towards the end of the year. Keenan has a ton of excellent football left in him. He must decide what is in his and his family’s best interests.
He has made up his mind and is returning.
With Pili back, Tennessee has a seasoned player in charge of the linebacker room. Carter, Elijah Herring, and Jeremiah Telander will all return. Prospects Jordan Burns and Edwin Spillman will also be added to the depth chart.
Pili was given credit for 62 tackles for BYU in 2022. Before suffering an injury in the season opener against Virginia, the 6-3, 240-pound senior had four tackles.
