Tennessee football: Top 10 winners from Vols 2019 spring practice

He didn’t play in the spring game, but Baylen Buchanan was listed as a first-team defensive player for Tennessee football heading into it. That’s a big deal for the senior, and with little evidence, it’s enough for us to put him on the list.

Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor have locked up the cornerback slots. Trevon Flowers and Theo Jackson, who were also first-team defenders, are in the running for the other safety spot opposite Nigel Warrior. Both could play nickel, but that spot remained open, and Buchanan was the only true nickel on the first team.

With guys like Shawn Shamburger threatening, it was important for Buchanan to be able to hold onto that spot heading into his senior season. His career on Knoxville has been one of overachieving due to his intelligence, and he should have a lot of that now as a senior. Another year in the 3-4 defense unlocks a lot of potential for a player like Buchanan.

But the competition was going to be fierce with guys who have raw talent, and he appears to have held his own. It’s not a huge win, as it’s something we largely expected, but it’s still enough for us to put him on the list.