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Evaluating Tennessee football’s 2021 secondary recruiting class at dead period

By Caleb Calhoun

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /
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Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

Commitments

Kaemen Marley (Athlete)

  • Ratings: Four-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 6’2″ 206 pounds
  • Hometown: Ramseur, N.C.
  • High School: Eastern Randolph

We’ve mentioned Kaemen Marley on our list of wide receivers, linebackers and now defensive backs for Tennessee football recruiting. However, the North Carolina prospect could play any of those positions. If he does play defensive back, he’ll end up being a safety, and that’s a key position for UT going forward, especially with how wide open it is this year.

De’Shawn Rucker

  • Ratings: Four-star (ESPN); Three-star (Rivals, 247Sports)
  • Size: 5’11” 170 pounds
  • Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
  • High School: Godby

From an athlete who could play safety to a pure cornerback, De’Shawn Rucker keeps the Vols’ pipeline into the state of Florida going. Rucker is a guy who would clearly cover a wideout, as speed is his prowess. He has reportedly clocked in a 4.38 40-time already, and that could even improve as his body matures.

Elijah Howard (Athlete)

  • Ratings: Three-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 5’11” 180 pounds
  • Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn.
  • High School: Baylor School

The first commitment we named was an athlete, and the second was a speedster. Elijah Howard is both. An in-state prospect, Howard could end up being an all-purpose back for Rocky Top. But beyond even Rucker, his speed is off the charts, as he has reportedly clocked in a 4.33 40-time. Like Rucker, if he does play defensive back, he’ll play cornerback.

Jay Jones

  • Ratings: Three-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 6’1″ 173 pounds
  • Hometown: Demopolis, Ala.
  • High School: Demopolis

Sticking with the cornerbacks, Jay Jones is a guy who has the potential to be an elite secondary player for Tennessee football. He doesn’t have the speed that Rucker or Howard have, so he would do well to put on some muscle. But coming out of Alabama, he could become an elite nickel given his height.

Edwin White (Athlete on ESPN)

  • Ratings: Three-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 5’11” 172 pounds
  • Hometown: Mobile, Ala.
  • High School: UMS Wright

There is a bit of dispute about where this Alabama prospect will play, but cornerback seems to be the most obvious position. Edwin White is being recruited as that, and his size indicates as such. There is no official record of his speed yet, but like Jones, he probably needs to put on some weight to play at the next level. However, he’s a solid pickup.

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