Tennessee football: 5 Charlotte 49ers to watch vs. Vols

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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 15: Defensive back Ben DeLuca #28 of the Charlotte 49ers tackles wide receiver Thomas Owens #81 of the FIU Golden Panthers on October 15, 2016, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

No.4 – Ben DeLuca, Defensive Back

The defensive back is having a pretty good season. DeLuca leads the team in tackles with 35 solo and 60 total. He’s also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and had an interception to his name.

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So far this season, DeLuca has put together two games with over ten tackles in a single game. The first came against Appalachian State, where he recorded 11 total tackles with eight being solo.

This past game against Southern Mississippi, DeLuca had a season-high 15 tackles, seven being solo and added an interception.

He has played well all season long, but he hasn’t faced any team with the caliber of receiver as the Vols. Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway -despite no touchdowns- have had quite the season. The Jennings-Callaway duo has recorded 53 receptions for 707 yards with three touchdowns. Add Josh Palmer in the mix and DeLuca should have his hands full.

However, as we mentioned DeLuca is making big plays for the 49ers defense and if Guarantano doesn’t protect the ball -which he usually does- we could see a few turnovers. There is also the opportunity for other quarterbacks Keller Chryst and JT Shrout to see the field.

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