Secondary
Safety: 1. Todd Kelly Jr., 2. Nigel Warrior
Safety: 1. Micah Abernathy, 2. Nigel Warrior
Cornerback: 1. Justin Martin, 2. Baylen Buchanan
Cornerback: 1. Emmanuel Moseley, 2. Shaq Wiggins
Nickel: 1. Rashaan Gaulden, 2. Marquill Osborne
Thoughts: Though we’re giving the nod to Michah Abernathy initially, Nigel Warrior will continue to compete for the starting safety spot alongside Todd Kelly Jr. this season. And if Kelly has to come out of the game for any reason, expect Warrior to fill in for him as well.
Rashaan Gaulden has the starting nickel spot nailed down, and Martin and Moseley, assuming Moseley healthy, should be the staring corners heading into the Vols’ first game. Freshman Shawn Shamburger has impressed during the fall, but he’s likely still behind more veteran players like Buchanan and Wiggins for now.
