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Tennessee football: Top 10 dark horse Vols for 2021 season

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) and Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) and Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
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Oct 17, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (18) covers Kentucky wide receiver Kalil Branham (14) during the second half of a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 17, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (18) covers Kentucky wide receiver Kalil Branham (14) during the second half of a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Doneiko Slaughter. 9. Defensive back. Sophomore. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’0″ 190 pounds; Hometown: Roswell, Ga.

Similar to Javontez Spraggins, you could actually make the case that Doneiko Slaughter is a guy who should be a breakout player instead of one who could be. He played all 10 games for Tennessee football last year as a true freshman and actually started one game at the nickel position. Versatility is a key calling card for him.

However, even with the departure of Bryce Thompson, all the expected secondary starters are in place. Cornerback is expected to have Alontae Taylor, Warren Burrell, and Kenneth George Jr. in a rotation. Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Brandon Turnage and Auburn Tigers transfer Kamal Hadden are generating hype to provide competition there as well.

Meanwhile, safety is set among the starters with Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough. Cheyenne Labruzza is a veteran backup. Slaughter could see action at nickel, but Theo Jackson is favored to start there, and if he doesn’t other cornerbacks are in competition.

Simply put, the graduate of Roswell High School in Georgia’s Fulton County just outside of Atlanta may be getting lost in the shuffle. That’s way he’s a dark horse candidate. However, he had a sack and eight tackles last year, four of which were solo, in limited action, so don’t be surprised if he emerges this year.

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