Aaron Beasley joined Omari Thomas in announcing he would be sticking around Knoxville for one more season. He made the announcement Tuesday morning at Tennessee’s media availability ahead of the Orange Bowl vs. Clemson.

That is gargantuan news for the Tennessee defense, which will now be returning 2 key starters next year to boost a defensive unit that struggled as a whole.

But truth be told, the secondary was the major problem on defense for the Vols. Beasley locked down the middle of the field alongside Jeremy Banks and will be the veteran leader when Banks departs for the NFL this offseason.

Tyler Baron, another key piece and Tennessee’s potential best pass rusher next season, has not yet made up his mind on staying or entering the NFL Draft.

Beasley was Tennessee’s leading tackler this season, totaling 64 tackles on the year. He also led Tennessee in tackles for loss (9) and QB hurries (also 9).

The Vols take on Clemson in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 in Miami.

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Tennessee online sports betting officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. Tennessee is only one of a handful of SEC football states with legalized sports betting.