Vols Football: 5 Most Important Returning Players in 2015

Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) intercepts a pass intended for Florida Gators wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cam Sutton, Cornerback

While he may not have the most gaudy stats, Cam Sutton’s importance to Tennessee’s defense cannot be understated.

Through two season, Sutton, now a junior, has 76 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, a sack, 20 pass breakups, and 5 interceptions. He also returned a punt for a touchdown in 2014 against Vanderbilt in the last regular season game.

Sutton has all the tools to become a shutdown corner in the SEC, and part of the reason he doesn’t have more interceptions and pass breakups is because quarterbacks have stopped throwing to his side as much. He’s been able to hold his own against some of the conference’s best in his two seasons for the Vols, and he’ll be the most seasoned of the cornerbacks in 2015.

He also flashed his potential in the return game at the end of the season when he returned a punt 76 yards for a score against Vanderbilt. All season, teams had tried their best to punt away from Sutton, and once he finally got a good look, he made the Commodores pay.

Sutton will be one of the more veteran defensive players for the Vols this season. Couple that with his talent, and he’ll be a key piece on Tennessee’s defense.