How William Inge is ‘refining’ sophomore linebacker Jadon Perlotte during spring practice
His physical traits are special.
Tennessee linebacker Jadon Perlotte (27) picks up a fumbled ball during the NCAA college football game against Arkansas on Oct. 11, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Tennessee’s linebacker room has generated plenty of buzz this offseason, ignited by the return of Arion Carter.
The Volunteers didn’t exactly need another number in the room, but they weren’t going to turn Carter away after he reversed his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Penn State veteran Amare Campbell joins him at the position, following his defensive coordinator to Knoxville. And yet, maybe the most physically gifted player in the room sits on the depth chart beneath those two veterans.
Jadon Perlotte, a former 4-star prospect entering his second season with Tennessee, turned plenty of heads down the stretch of last season. His speed brought a completely different element to the defense, which forced his way onto the field in some sub-package situations. “Just him continuing to learn,” linebackers coach William Inge said on Wednesday of Perlotte.
“As you get into, let’s say, Year 1, it’s always going to be knowledge and understanding, you learning everything. Well, now you go into Year 2, now this is truly going to be about performance enhancement and understanding how to take care of your body and take care of your team. ” Perlotte, like the rest of the linebackers not named Amare Campbell, will be learning a new defensive system under Jim Knowles.