All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football 2019 preview by position: Vols secondary

By Caleb Calhoun

ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers discusses a play with Bryce Thompson #20 during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 29, 2018 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers discusses a play with Bryce Thompson #20 during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 29, 2018 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Tennessee football
Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images /

Projected backups at safety

1. Deangelo Gibbs

Junior; 6’1″ 200 lbs; Oxford, Ga.

This is contingent on if he gets the eligibility waiver from the NCAA. Deangelo Gibbs has experience, and the Georgia Bulldogs transfer was once a four-star commitment. So if he gets the green light after practicing with Tennessee football last spring, he’ll be at the top of the depth chart for safeties on the bench in 2019.

2. Theo Jackson

Junior; 6’2″ 190 lbs; Nashville, Tenn.

Theo Jackson made one start last year and saw action in 11 games. If Deangelo Gibbs is not given the green light, he’ll be the top safety off the bench. He has proven himself at this level and provides very solid depth behind Nigel Warrior, and he could potentially compete with Trevon Flowers for that starting free safety job.

3. Maleik Gray

Redshirt sophomore; 6’2″ 198 lbs; Lavergne, Tenn.

Maleik Gray saw action in one game last year and then had to take a redshirt. After another offseason of picking up Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 scheme, he should be in perfect position to at least be in the conversation for seeing action as a safety this year. And if Gibbs doesn’t go, Gray all of a sudden has a great chance to play.

4. Jaylen McCullough

Freshman; 6’0″ 204 lbs; Austell, Ga.

Another four-star early enrollee, Jaylen McCullough was Tennessee football’s breakout star in spring ball. He had two interceptions in the spring game and should have been named MVP. As a result, he could potentially move up this list, and by the end, he could be the top backup.

5. Aaron Beasley

Freshman; 6’1″ 212 lbs; Franklin, Ga.

A three-star athlete in the 2019 class who was not an early enrollee at safety, Aaron Beasley is the one guy almost certain to be buried in the depth chart. He may have future potential, but this will be one year of development for him.

Home/Vols Football