Tim Banks discusses Keenan Pili returning to Vols' defense

Redshirt senior linebacker Keenan Pili is in his second season with Tennessee.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Pili appeared in one game last season for the Vols. He recorded four tackles and played 29 snaps in Tennessee’s season-opening win versus Virginia in 2023. Pili suffered an upper-body injury and missed the final 11 games during the regular-season.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Tuesday ahead of the Vols’ Week 3 matchup with Kent State. He discussed having Pili returning the Vols’ defense this season.

“For me, it is very satisfying,” Banks said. “He is a kid who has worked his tail off. He got hurt early in the season last year. I know how tough that was for him, but he stayed locked in. He stayed with the team. He continued to push guys and learn our defense, so to finally see him see the fruits of his efforts, man listen, I feel like a proud dad to see him go out there and do what he did.

“He is a big athlete, we knew that. He has great stamina. We think he is only going to get better as he continues to grow in this defense, so we are excited for him.”

Through two games this season, Pili has recorded six tackles.