Defensive Back
Commitments: Maleik Gray (4-star, safety), Jaquan Henderson (3-star, safety), Cheyenne Labruzza (3-star, corner), Terrell Bailey (3-star, corner), Theo Jackson (3-star, safety), Shawn Shamburger (3-star, corner)
Just like at defensive end, the Vols have an abundance of commitments at defensive back. Tennessee has three safeties and three cornerbacks committed in the 2017 class. Maleik Gray is the highest-rated of the group, coming in as the 63rd best player in the country. Gray plays for LaVergne High School in Tennessee and is the fourth overall player in the state.
The Vols’ other two safeties, Jaquan Henderson and Theo Jackson, committed on the same day back in June. Henderson has offers from over two dozen schools, picking up scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, UCLA, Arkansas, and more. Henderson is a big hitter and also played outside linebacker for Newton High School in Covington, Georgia. Jackson is another in-state prospect who plays for Overton in Nashville. Jackson is more wiry at 6-foot-2, 176 pounds, but he has athleticism and a knack for big plays.
Tennessee’s three cornerback commitments all fit similar molds. Cheyenne Labruzza is the highest rated of the trio and holds offers from LSU, Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and others. Labruzza plays for Albany High School in Louisiana but unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in October of his senior season.
Terrell Bailey also hails from Louisiana Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Arizona, and more. At 6-feet tall, 175 pounds, Bailey has length and speed. Shawn Shamburger is a bit shorter at 5-foot-11, but he didn’t come up small for Coulquitt County in Moultrie, Georgia. Shamburger picked off four passes, had seven pass breakups, forced two fumbles, and returned an interception for a score.
The Vols still need more cornerbacks for the future, so expect them to make a push to add another one in this class.
