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BYU linebacker Keenan Pili, a team captain, transfers to Tennessee football

adam sparks, knoxville news sentinel
·1 min read
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Tennessee football made a notable addition to wrap up the first day of the early signing period Wednesday, but it came via the transfer portal.

BYU linebacker Keenan Pili transferred to Tennessee, and he will bring talent and experience to the Vols.

Pili, a 6-foot-3, 237 pounder, was a team captain in 2021 and 2022. He earned second team All-Independent honors in 2020 and the Boca Raton Bowl defensive MVP that season.

In 2022, he had 62 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for BYU.

Sep 18, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Curtis Hodges (86) is tackled by BYU Cougars defensive back Malik Moore (12) and linebacker Keenan Pili (41) in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Curtis Hodges (86) is tackled by BYU Cougars defensive back Malik Moore (12) and linebacker Keenan Pili (41) in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pili could help fill the void left by linebacker Jeremy Banks, who presumably will enter the NFL Draft after accepting an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Starter Aaron Beasley and part-time starter Juwan Mitchell can also return next season. Elijah Herring and Kalib Perry could see increased playing time next season after contributing as freshmen.

Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: BYU linebacker Keenan Pili, a team captain, transfers to Tennessee football