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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 2021 from 2021 recruiting class

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 1072
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 1072 /
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Tennessee defensive back Christian Charles (14) celebrates after a play with Tennessee linebacker Nick Humphrey (31) during a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football
Tennessee defensive back Christian Charles (14) celebrates after a play with Tennessee linebacker Nick Humphrey (31) during a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football /

Freshman. Christian Charles. 4. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back

6’1″ 186 pounds

Two defensive backs with a ton of potential were also in this class. Funny enough, both had blocked punts as well. De’Shawn Rucker had five tackles and blocked a punt against the Alabama Crimson Tide, setting up a field goal for Tennessee football that game. He was worthy of a mention with his performance there.

However, Christian Charles, a true freshman out of Georgia in Hall County, just outside of Atlanta, who was a three-star athlete across the board and listed as an athlete on Rivals and ESPN, was more productive overall. Charles became Jaylen McCollough’s backup at strong safety, and he finished the year with eight tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass deflection.

The graduate of Chestatee High School in Gainesville, Ga., also had a blocked punt. He did so against the Pittsburgh Panthers, which set up the Vols’ first score as they built a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and should have been able to do enough to win that game. Oh, and he actually got the start at safety at the Missouri Tigers.

It’s clear that Charles is a bright part of the Vols’ future. McCollough likely won’t be around after next year, and Trevon Flowers can’t be around, so there will be a spot for Charles to step in. Given what he’s shown in limited action so far, there’s plenty of reason for excitement behind him.

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