6. Micah Abernathy, Safety
With established veteran Todd Kelly Jr. and highly-anticipated youngster Nigel Warrior in the same defensive backfield, junior Micah Abernathy often gets overlooked. But he shouldn’t.
As a sophomore last year, Abernathy was thrust into a starting role for the Vols, and he performed admirably. Abernathy started in 10 of the 12 games he played in, and he quietly churned out a very productive season. Abernathy totaled 69 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, six pass break ups, and three fumble recoveries.
Abernathy was often in the right place and the right time last season, yet his play was rarely talked about. And with bigger names around him again this season, he’s been relegated to the shadows once more.
The Vols have tons of talent at safety, and Micah Abernathy is one of the more productive players on Tennessee’s defense despite the little attention he receives.
