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Projecting Tennessee football’s 2020 depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

Nickel

1. Shawn Shamburger; Senior

In terms of measurable productivity, Shawn Shamburger is Tennessee football’s best player. Last year, he forced the lowest passer rating on quarterbacks of any defensive back in the nation when covering the slot receiver. Meanwhile, he did not allow a single touchdown while playing 361 snaps last year, making him similar to Bryce Thompson with his consistency.

As a 5’11” 185-pound veteran from southern Alabama, Shamburger is clearly going to be the starting nickel this year. However, when Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley use their standard 3-4, we’re predicting that Shamburger will also be the No. 2 cornerback over Alontae Taylor, starting alongside Thompson. He’s just too good and experienced to ever be off the field.

2. Cheyenne Labruzza; Redshirt junior

With Baylen Buchanan being confirmed to miss another season, we’re going with another guy experienced in the Vols’ system. Like Shawn Shamburger, Cheyenne Labruzza saw surprise action as a freshman when the Vols were falling apart Butch Jones’ final year on Rocky Top. He filled in for some injuries and gained immediate experience in Bob Shoop’s nickel-based defense.

Well, we have the 5’11” 188-pound Louisiana product penciled in as the backup nickel here three years later. Despite safety being his primary position, Labruzza has proven his versatility as a reserve defensive back in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 multiple scheme. That should serve him well here and allow for him to be the backup utility player at all positions, which is why we put him at nickel.

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