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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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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter (89) runs with the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Tamarion McDonald (21) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter (89) runs with the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Tamarion McDonald (21) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sophomore. player. 839. Scouting Report. Defensive back. Pick Analysis. Tamarion McDonald. 5

6’2″ 200 pounds; Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

We’re back to defensive backs. Tennessee football clearly needs more depth at safety behind Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough. Cheyenne Labruzza provides veteran help there and at nickel. Tyus Fields is actually a rising star. However, Labruzza hasn’t been able to become a starter yet, and Fields only saw action in one game last year.

Tamarion McDonald, meanwhile, showed promise throughout the season. With appearances in seven games and even one start, it’s somewhat surprising that McDonald hasn’t received a lot more offseason coverage. After all, his potential was always through the roof.

The graduate of Whitehaven High School in Shelby County had 11 tackles and a pass breakup. He was able to do all of this despite undergoing shoulder surgery last summer and converting from linebacker to defensive back. That’s highly impressive and speaks volumes for his future.

Imagine what McDonald could do with a full offseason developing at defensive back and no issues with his health. All of this is why he’s another player who maybe should be on the breakout list. However, the expectations are for him to return to his role as a backup this year with other defensive backs getting back to health. Still, he could become a star, so watch out.

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