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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 52-24 loss at Alabama

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a ball over Alabama defensive back Daniel Wright (3) during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a ball over Alabama defensive back Daniel Wright (3) during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp /
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Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (13) during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp
Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (13) during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp /

Pick Analysis. Redshirt sophomore. Kamal Hadden. 839. Scouting Report. Defensive back. 4. player

1 FF, 1 TFL, 8 total tackles (6 solo)

Two weeks ago, Alabama transfer Brandon Turnage had a surprise breakout game for Tennessee football against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Starting at nickel in place of Theo Jackson, he made tons of big plays and ended up earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

On Saturday, the Vols benefitted from another transfer from an Alabama school in the secondary having a breakout game. Auburn Tigers transfer Kamal Hadden saw time at safety and nickel, and he ended up emerging as a huge playmaker. The future of the UT secondary now looks bright with Hadden and Turnage back there.

In this game, Hadden made a crucial play that kept the Vols in control for part of the first half. With the Vols up 14-7, Alabama was driving to tie, and Bryce Young found Jamison Williams for a 16-yard completion into the red zone. However, Hadden forced a fumble, and Kenneth George Jr. recovered. Big plays like that are key in games like this, and that one earned Hadden a spot here.

Add in Hadden’s tackle for a loss, and he was a critical playmaker. He did struggle at times in coverage, and that’s something he needs to work on, but he’s clearly a physical defensive back who can make big plays for the Vols when needed. De’Shawn Rucker almost made this list for his blocked punt, but Hadden was more of a big-play guy throughout the game.

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