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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for at Missouri

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs out on the field before an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 0200
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs out on the field before an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 0200 /
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Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) runs on the field for warmups before a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football
Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) runs on the field for warmups before a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football /

Scouting Report. Theo Jackson. 839. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. Senior. 2. player

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

We already talked about the Missouri Tigers’ passing offense. The fact that they spread the ball around so much means Tennessee football can’t just have its lockdown corner do his job. UT needs its most versatile defensive back, usually a safety or a nickel, to play his role and make sure he’s in on every down.

Theo Jackson is clearly the guy to fill that void. Through four games this year, Jackson has been by far the Vols’ most productive defender. He leads the team in pass deflections with four, one ahead of safety Jaylen McCollough, who would be after Jackson in terms of most key to this role.

In addition to deflections, though, Jackson also leads the team in tackles for a loss with six and a half and is tied for the lead in sacks with one and a half. Oh, and he leads the team in total tackles with 32, 14 of which have been solo, another team-leading stat.

Simply put, Jackson is all over the field, which is key to facing an offense that spreads the ball all over the field. Missouri has seven players with over 100 yards receiving this year and none over 200. Another has 95. As a result, one player guarding a main guy can’t make the biggest difference. The top impact defensive back who is all over the field can, though.

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