Secondary
S: 1. Micah Abernathy 2. Evan Berry
S: 1. Todd Kelly Jr. 2. Nigel Warrior
CB: 1. Emmanuel Moseley 2. Justin Martin
CB: 1. Baylen Buchanan 2. Cheyenne Labruzza
NB: 1. Rashaan Gaulden 2. Marquill Osborne
Thoughts: It’s not a complete rebuilding job in the secondary, but the Vols must replace the dependable Cam Sutton and get much better production overall from a unit that finished 10th in the SEC in pass defense last season. There are at least five pretty solid options at safety when you throw those four and Stephen Griffin into the mix. Newcomers Maleik Gray and Theo Jackson could push for time as well. UT has a chance to be good there.
Cornerback is a bit of a mystery. Moseley, Martin and Buchanan have all, at various times, been productive, but all have been inconsistent as well. They all need to take the next step, while UT will bring in several newcomers that will have a chance to factor in the conversation. Gaulden has some room to grow, but he brought some stability to nickel last season. Expect Osborne to see the field more as well. Tyler Byrd is the wild card here. I’m leaving him at receiver for now, but the talented sophomore could be a big factor at cornerback if the Vols make the switch or allow him to play both ways.
