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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for at Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA;Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA;Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) shows that the pass was no good after Jackson broke up a pass intended for a BYU receiver at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 RANK 4
Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) shows that the pass was no good after Jackson broke up a pass intended for a BYU receiver at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 RANK 4 /

Theo Jackson. 4. player. 839. Defensive back. Senior. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’2″ 203 pounds; Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.

It’s been an incredible start to the season for Theo Jackson. He’s Tennessee football’s leader in tackles for a loss with six, pass deflections with four, total tackles with 25 and solo tackles with 14. Oh, and he’s tied for the leader in sacks with one and a half. Simply put, the guy has been all over the field for the Vols.

Jackson has been a staple as a utility defensive back on this team for years. He finally got his shot to be the full-time starter at nickel, and he hasn’t wasted it. Now, though, his dramatic improvement will face an extremely tough test.

Dan Mullen’s system naturally calls for nickels and safeties to do a lot of things. Much of this will depend on how well Tim Banks schemes for the offense, but Jackson’s physical play combined with what he can do in the passing game make him key to stopping Florida’s elite rushing attack.

If Jackson can sniff out the horizontal running plays and stay at home on misdirection passing plays, the Vols could actually be in great shape. Based on what he’s done so far this year, there’s reason to believe he can do that. Rocky Top needs him to do that, which is why he makes this list.

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