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Tennessee football roster: Projecting Vols’ 2019 2-deep depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Daniel Bituli #35 and Nigel Warrior #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a recovered fumble against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Daniel Bituli #35 and Nigel Warrior #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a recovered fumble against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Strong Safety

1. Nigel Warrior

Senior, 6’0″ 191 pounds

A two-year starter for Tennessee football, the son of Dale Carter Jr. has been a solid player for the Vols, but he hasn’t burst onto the scene as a superstar yet. That’s not as surprising given the catastrophe of the 2017 season and the fact Jeremy Pruitt installed his 3-4 scheme last year. Safeties always struggle with the switch to the 3-4.

This year, though, Nigel Warrior should be ready to burst onto the scene. He was always the most clear-cut starter in the secondary, and he’s one of the most versatile players. Warrior’s football instincts should allow him to break out as a superstar, and he should be fun to watch on Rocky Top for his senior campaign.

2. Maleik Gray

Redshirt Sophomore, 6’2″ 198 pounds

Given Nigel Warrior’s durability, he’s probably the one guy on this roster who does not need a backup. But if there is one, he is going to be Maleik Gray. Over the past two years, Gray has spent time working at cornerback and safety. He can go wherever the depth is needed.

As we broke down with the cornerback position, there is enough depth at those spots. The same is true with free safety, as you’re about to see. So Gray will earn a spot as the No. 2 strong safety provided no newcomer steals a spot from him, which is entirely possible given a guy like Jaylen McCullough, who had two interceptions in the spring game. Gray was on the second-team defense in the spring game, but he can be a valuable backup.

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