The defensive backfield has been one of the most revamped positions groups on the roster over the past few years.
The late Derek Dooley/early Butch Jones years were characterized by slower DBs that became a liability against top competition. The Vols have made a ton of progress in changing that with players such as Todd Kelly Jr., Cam Sutton, Justin Martin, Rashaan Gaulden and others.
But there’s always more work to be done, and in a defense that regularly puts five defensive backs on the field, finding big, fast DBs will always be a priority in recruiting. And with at least four of the five projected starters in the defensive backfield entering their junior or senior season in 2016, it’s an important class in this area.
Here are some of the top names to know at defensive back in the 2017 class:
