Vols Football: Malik Foreman finally finding his role?
By Seth Norris
Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Malik Foreman seems to have finally found his role on the team.
It wasn’t that long ago the staff was questioning what side of the ball the the Kingsport native would be contributing to come fall.
Back in early August, at the pre-camp presser, coach Butch Jones mentioned that it would “be an ongoing decision” to find his spot.
"“Malik Foreman will start off at the defensive back position, and then he’ll be evaluated each and every day just like all of our DBs and our wide receivers, and then whatever he can do that best fits him, but also helps our football team win, and that’ll be an ongoing decision.”"
Foreman is considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, athletes on this roster. Adding that type of speed to an offense would provide someone with potential big play ability. Foreman would have likely played an Alton “Pig” Howard type role in the slot; utilizing his speed and quickness on those sweeps and screens that fans grow tired of seeing.
However, the original idea to move Foreman was based on adding depth to the wide receiver unit. With the emergence of Jauan Jennings at wide out that may have took some pressure off of the switch, but Foreman barely saw anytime at receiver in fall camp. Not knowing what the future held for the Volunteer roster, Foreman staying on defense is looking to be the best fit for this team.
While media was allowed to report on injuries in practices, key players on the defensive side like Justin Martin, were missing out on key practice reps, and that had Foreman making more of an impact on the defensive back depth chart.
Depth that is much needed now with DB Rashaan Gaulden out for the season with a broken foot, and the nickel spot open in the defensive backfield. There has been talk of Justin Martin, Micah Abernathy, or Cam Sutton moving to take the spot.
According to defensive coordinator John Jancek, Martin has not been able to do much in terms of participating, and they would like to keep Cam Sutton out at the corner position. At what is valued by the coaching staff as one of the most important positions on the defense, it appears that the race is currently between freshman Micah Abernathy and Malik Foreman.
With more games of experience and high speed, Foreman may have finally found his role on defense as the starting nickel. You have to think Foreman has the edge over the freshman Abernathy at the moment, but that is still yet to be determined.
Look for those answers to come this week.