Tennessee football: Team awards for 2021 season

Defensive Player of the Year: Theo Jackson

Just like the most improved player that Theo Jackson also could have won, Jeremy Banks could have been on here too along with Alontae Taylor and even Byron Young. Banks’ 128 total tackles, 59 total tackles, five and a half sacks, 11.5 tackles for a loss, one interception and four pass deflections all speak for itself.

Young was a late bloomer due to eligibility issues but still, despite missing the first two games, finished with 11.5 tackles for a loss and five and a half sacks as well. Taylor was a lockdown cornerback, finishing with two picks, one that he ran back for a touchdown, a forced fumble and a pass deflection.

However, Taylor didn’t play in the Music City Bowl, which he can’t be blamed for but counts against him here in a tiebreaker. Banks struggled against running quarterbacks. Young, as we said, was a late bloomer. That leaves Theo Jackson. After spending four years as a utility defensive back, Jackson was finally able to become a full-time starter.

As a 6’2″ 203-pound fifth-year senior, Jackson was able to rack up a pick-six, nine tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, a team-leading 11 pass deflections and 78 tackles, 31 of which were solo. He did it all for the Vols, and his play, in a close contest, earned him this award.