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Five Tennessee football players to focus on as spring practice starts

By Dean Zulkofske

Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) hands the ball off to running back Eric Gray (3) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) hands the ball off to running back Eric Gray (3) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Alontae Taylor. 3. Pick Analysis. Defensive Back. Senior. player. 839

6’0″ 193 pounds; Hometown: Manchester, Tenn.

Tennessee football’s defensive secondary struggled mightily against an All-SEC schedule in 2020. Now, with top DB Bryce Thompson gone for the NFL Draft and cornerbacks coach Willie Martinez back in Knoxville, all eyes are on fourth-year CB Alontae Taylor for the start of spring ball.

Taylor, who joined UT as a freshman wide receiver in 2017, is now without question a leader of the team’s defensive unit. Martinez, Taylor’s new position coach, was still on staff in 2016 and was heavily involved in recruiting Taylor when he initially committed to UT out of Coffee County Central High School.

These reasons make Taylor’s situation here at the beginning of 2021 unique. He’ll need to act as a leader for the younger defensive backs on the roster and lead by example early and often in team exercises. So far, it appears the former Under Armour All-American has done just that. He’s been very involved in some of those team-building exercises the team has shared on social media.

Though we’re not in any position to say who plays this fall and who doesn’t, the odds are that Taylor will likely be featured in one of those starting cornerback roles. How he’ll handle being the top guy in the Vols’ defensive backs room remains to be seen.

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