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Tennessee football: Vols top 5 returning underclassmen for 2019 spring practice

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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We finally get to players on offense and defense. Alontae Taylor was a breakout star for Tennessee football on defense last year, and he is one reason the Vols are set at cornerback for the future entering his sophomore year.

Last year, he played in all 12 games and started in nine of them. He became an all-around versatile corner, forcing two fumbles, registering 40 tackles, including one for a loss, and deflecting two passes. Oh, he also had the key defensive touchdown in the Vols’ win over the Auburn Tigers.

Taylor is a raw athlete who has the chance to blossom into a star. In fact, he may be the guy who could be the biggest splash player for the Vols this year, and that’s why spring practice should be a huge deal for him.

Remember, Taylor committed as a four-star athlete and was a favorite at first to play wide receiver. But Jeremy Pruitt spent last year experimenting with him. Now, he’s fully committed to defense and can develop a lot more.

As a result, he should be able to take another gigantic step. Taylor’s biggest skills are his recovery and range with his speed. He also showed that he can tackle. If he can master the fundamentals of playing corner a bit more, there will be no weakness in his game this year.

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