Tennessee junior defensive back Jourdan Thomas is out for the 2024 season after suffering a right knee injury during Saturday’s practice, Volquest’s Austin Price first reported and a Tennessee spokesperson confirmed to RTI.
Thomas is entering his junior season and had a strong chance to be Tennessee’s starting STAR this season before suffering the season ending injury. He was on a scooter not dressed out during Sunday morning’s practice and will have surgery later this week.
In his sophomore season, Thomas earned limited playing time at both STAR and safety where he totaled 18 tackles. He’s combined for 28 tackles in his first two collegiate seasons.
The battle for the starting spot was one of the most intriguing on Tennessee’s defense this camp. Thomas was the early favorite due to his experience and comfortability in Tennessee’s defense. With Thomas injured, true freshman Boo Carter becomes the top contender to win the job.
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Defensive coordinator and safeties coach Tim Banks mentioned redshirt sophomore Christian Harrison as another player competing for that starting spot when he met with the media earlier this week.
Christian Charles is a Swiss Army knife in the defensive backfield that is capable of playing multiple spots. After injuries derailed his last two seasons, Charles is an “X-Factor” in the defensive backfield and could also push for the starting spot at STAR.
While Tennessee has a handful of solid options at STAR, Thomas injury is also a blow to the safety depth. The Vols are thin at safety and don’t have proven options at the spot after losing starters Jaylen McCollough to graduation and Wesley Walker to the transfer portal.
A lack of depth and proven talent is an unfortunate combination for Tennessee at safety and Thomas’ injury makes it all the more worrisome. Andre Turrentine and MTSU transfer Jakobe Thomas are the favorites to win the starting jobs there.
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