AFC Championship Odds
Tennessee safety Trevon Flowers is returning for his super senior season, the two year starter announced on Twitter Tuesday.
“The 2021 season has been one to remember,” Flowers wrote. “My brothers and I have changed the culture tremendously. … I feel I have much more to show in the orange-and-white. Therefore, I’ve decided to return for the 2022 season.”
Flowers played in 12 games this season, tallying 82 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups.
The senior started in every game for Tennessee along with junior Jaylen McCollough in the back end of the Vols’ defense.
However, the middle of Tennessee’s defense struggled this season, particularly in the Music City Bowl. Flowers recorded three tackles and an interception in the win.
Flowers earned a 63.0 grade according to Pro Football Focus this season and McCollough earned a 53.5. Safety is a position Tennessee could target in the transfer portal.
With Flowers coming back, Tennessee returns seven of its 11 starters this season. The Vols lose Matthew Butler, Ja’Quain Blakely, Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson. Butler, Taylor and Jackson graded out as Tennessee’s three best defenders this year.
With Hendon Hooker, Jerome Carvin, Princeton Fant and Cedric Tillman returning for final seasons in Knoxville, the Vols return eight of their offensive starters from this season. Tennessee only loses top offensive lineman Cade Mays and receivers Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton.
The Vols returning the core of the 2021 team is a strong first step into Josh Heupel’s second season as head coach.
