Tennessee football: 10 major revelations from Vols start of spring practice

3. Baylen Buchanan was practicing after an injury brought his career into question.

One of the best bits of news of the day for Tennessee football was Baylen Buchanan being back out on the field. The fifth-year senior defensive back missed all of last season because he had to undergo surgery due to spinal stenosis. While he took a redshirt, questions about his career came into play. It was not a sure bet that he would get back onto the field.

Well, Buchanan was back at practice on Tuesday. Jeremy Pruitt said he would be limited throughout the spring, similar to Emmit Gooden, but this is still great news for the Vols. A veteran leader, Buchanan is known for picking up systems quickly, and he is now familiar with Pruitt’s 3-4 scheme despite having to sit out all of last year.

The 5’11” 197-pound fifth-year senior could take his nickel role back from Shawn Shamburger later this year, or he or Shamburger could move over to the open safety spot left by Nigel Warrior. Both major cornerback spots are locked off by Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor, but if Buchanan can get back into rhythm, he could definitely be effective this year.

With his return, Buchanan provides even more veteran leadership for the Vols’ secondary, and that’s a big deal after Warrior’s departure. How ready he is to perform later this fall is up in the air, but it’s underrated how big of a deal his return to the practice field was.