Tennessee football has a mix of returning talent and new faces in its secondary next season. One of the primary portal efforts with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was adding defensive backs, and the result could turn out to be a strong group in his first year.
At cornerback, UT returns a young star. Ty Redmond, who just finished his freshman season as a starter in all but one game, started rough but finished playing very well. Now, he’ll look to reprise one of the starting jobs and build on the great end to the year.
Opposite of Redmond at cornerback is a proven piece in the SEC. Kayin Lee joins from Auburn after putting together a strong stretch of seasons with the Tigers. Now, he has the chance to become a breakout star like Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy have been at corner for Tennessee the past two years.
Other cornerbacks in the room include Miami transfer Jaidas Richard, Tre Poteat, Timothy Merritt and freshmen Zay Anderson and Javonte Smith.
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Tennessee will have a nickel position on its defense again under Knowles, as well. That spot will likely see Kansas State transfer Qua Moss as the starter. Other options include Colorado transfer Isaiah Hardge and freshman Jamyan Theodore, or it could be someone sliding in from corner or safety.
At safety, there are three starting caliber options. This features one returner, Edrees Farooq, who enters his junior year after starting as a sophomore. There were some growing pains, but he was overall a solid piece for UT a year ago. The other two are Michigan transfer TJ Metcalf and Penn State transfer Dejuan Lane, who both have plenty of upside and experience.
Sophomores Dylan Lewis and Sidney Walton, freshmen Joel Wyatt, Jowell Combay and KJ McClain and App State transfer DJ Burks are also options.
