Cornerback
CB1: Bryce Thompson, Kenneth George Jr.
CB2: Alontae Taylor, Warren Burrell
Nickel: Shawn Shamburger, Baylen Buchanan
Barring injury or an unforeseen circumstance, Bryce Thompson is nailed down as one of Tennessee’s starting corners. Alontae Taylor likely begins the spring as the other starter at the outside corner spots, but he in particular will face competition this spring from Kenneth George Jr. and Warren Burrell.
At nickel/STAR, Shawn Shamburger proved to be a solid contributor last season, especially on blitzes. The big question will be whether or not veteran Baylen Buchanan can practice after he was diagnosed with a spinal issue that kept him out all last season. The redshirt senior would be a valuable veteran backup to Shamburger, and he could push Shamburger to keep him on his toes.
Kenney Solomon and Cheyenne Labruzza are two to keep an eye on. Can either of those two crack the two-deep at any of the corner spots?
