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Tennessee football: 10 things to watch for in 2021 spring game

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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Fans wait for an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium to begin, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0093
Fans wait for an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium to begin, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0093 /

5. Who lines up at nickel?

This was a big issue for Tennessee football in the secondary last year. Shawn Shamburger was the Vols’ best defender in 2019, and he spent the year at the nickel spot. Last year, he was banged up and only played three games, and he’s now not on the roster. With the transfer of Baylen Buchanan, this spot is now wide open.

You would think UT could move over one of its starting cornerbacks from last year, but the fact of the matter is Bryce Thompson being gone left that open as well. Alontae Taylor, Warren Burrell, Kenneth George Jr. and Theo Jackson could all be in the running for this position.

If Taylor, Burrell or George gets it, Jackson will be competing for a safety spot with Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough. However, if Jackson gets it, then Burrell and George will likely compete for that No. 2 cornerback spot opposite Taylor.

Simply put, the nickel race will play a huge role in how the secondary shakes out. Tim Banks is likely to turn to an experienced player for his nickel-based 4-3 defense, meaning one of those guys, already in the system, is likely to take the spot. Whichever one spends time there Saturday could be the starter when the Fall arrives.

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