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Tennessee football: 10 safest starting spots on Vols 2019 roster

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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A two-year starter, Nigel Warrior has played in 36 of 37 games since he became a member of Tennessee football in 2016. The son of Dale Carter Jr. is a proven, reliable player and has been a player of quiet reliability.

Last year, while the cornerbacks were the star in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 transition, Warrior was once again the reliable safety, accounting for 64 tackles and a tackle for a loss. As he enters his senior season, he’s another guy looking to have a breakout superstar year.

But even if he doesn’t, Warrior being on this list is based on its own merit and not the level of depth. Sure, safety lost key guys from last year in Micah Abernathy and Todd Kelly Jr. But the unit does have lots of players at the position.Warrior, though, is the one guy with proven experience, and you know what you’re going to get with him.

That’s why he’s low on this list but still on here. He doesn’t have standout performances and is at a position with potential, but he’s the only proven guy. Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley will look to Warrior to keep the rest of the secondary in line for the year, and as one of two senior defensive backs with real proven experience, he’ll be safe for this season.

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