Shawn Shamburger, DB
Most fans and media members alike expected to see Shawn Shamburger play a large role in Tennessee’s defense in Week 1 as the Vols took on the potent passing attack of West Virginia. But aside from playing on special teams, Shamburger never really saw the field despite taking a lot of first team reps at the “star” defensive back position and practicing extensively with the safeties during the fall.
Though he didn’t specify exactly why Shamburger didn’t play, Pruitt said this week that consistency and good practice habits are what he and UT’s coaches have been looking for from Shamburger. Pruitt also said that Shamburger has had a good week of practice this week, which seems to hint at the sophomore defensive back finally seeing some more snaps on defense over the next few weeks.
Tennessee needs help in the secondary, and Shamburger looked solid as a true freshman last year when he was called upon. He deserves some more playing time against ETSU and UTEP.
