Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2021

Cornerback No. 1

1. Alontae Taylor

He was one of Tennessee football’s two players at SEC Media Days and is the only senior who has started three years at the same position for the Vols. Alontae Taylor is ready for a breakout year and also to improve upon last year, which he played battling a hamstring injury.

With Bryce Thompson gone to the NFL, Taylor is the top cornerback now. The 6’0″ 193-pound athlete has two career interceptions and nine passes defended, but this could be the season he becomes the top playmaker in the secondary. His physicality adds to his game.

2. Theo Jackson (Nickel)

By far the most versatile defensive back on the roster, Theo Jackson is actually more of a safety. However, with Shawn Shamburger confirmed to be gone, he’s set to be locked into the nickel spot, which is why we have him here.

If the Vols do a standard 4-3, Jackson will not be on the field, but they’ll usually run a 4-2-5, which puts him here. The 6’2″ 203-pound senior is the perfect player for this role, though. He’s had a tackle for a loss and an interception each of the past three seasons and two seasons respectively. This year, his versatility could be a major weapon.

3. Brandon Turnage

Two key addition for Josh Heupel in the summer were Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Brandon Turnage heads and Auburn Tigers transfer Kamal Hadden. Turnage has more potential, so he’ll get the nod as the rotational backup here. He’s a true cornerback and has elite potential. The 6’1″ 186-pound redshirt sophomore  should explode onto the scene in 2022.