Westmoreland Ready to Step Into UT's Linebacker Spotlight
August 17, 2000 | Football
Eric Westmoreland InterviewPlaying linebacker at the University of Tennessee requires the speed of a defensive back and the strength of a defensive lineman. Linebackers at Tennessee are pass rushers, pass defenders and run stoppers.
"We are so multiple defensively that the linebacker position requires so many different skills," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "Sometimes they are going to be pass rushers and sometimes they are going to be pass defenders. In the running game, sometimes they are going to be on the line of scrimmage defending the run and sometimes they are going to be off involved in support."
The linebackers are also usually responsible for the coverage of running backs when they enter pass routes as well. Running backs are known for their speed and quickness and the linebackers must match that speed and quickness. Or be left behind.
That should be no problem for Tennessee during the 2000 season because two of the starting linebackers for the Vols were standout tailbacks in high school and the other one rushed for more than 900 yards as a quarterback his senior year.
Anthony Sessions rolled up 933 yards his senior year from the quarterback position. Dominique Stevenson rushed for 3576 yards and 37 touchdowns during his prep career and Eric Westmoreland piled up nearly 6000 career rushing yards at Marion County High School.
"When you start looking at our defense, those guys are going to be matched up against running backs in man coverage and it takes the same type of athlete that can play tailback and fullback on offense," Chavis said. "We want a little bit different demeanor about them, but it takes the same kind of athlete because that is who you are competing against most of the game."
Westmoreland certainly fits the bill as a tailback. He led Marion County to three state championships and finished his prep career with a 56-1 record. He rushed for 2359 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior.
But there was a question where he would play at Tennessee.
"I really didn't have any idea where I was going to play," Westmoreland said. " I was sort of a 'tweener,' an athlete. I could have gone on either side of the ball. It worked out for the best that I played linebacker."
It certainly has worked out well for Tennessee and head coach Phillip Fulmer.
Westmoreland will be a three-year starter for the Vols and continues the recent legacy of outstanding linebackers. Al Wilson led the linebacking corps during the national championship season of 1998, and Raynoch Thompson was the focal point a season ago. It is now time for Westmoreland to step into the spotlight for the 2000 season.
"Al has already made a mark in the NFL, and Raynoch will do the same thing," Chavis said. "Eric is in the same category. When you playing on the same team with two guys like that beside you, you are not going to get the recognition. But he is definitely the same caliber of player."
