Tennessee football: Ranking position groups by 2022 spring practice play

3. Secondary

Throughout the spring, Josh Heupel, Tim Banks and Willie Martinez all specifically praised the development of Trevon Flowers. He and Jaylen McCollough are back to command Tennessee football’s two safety spots, the only part of the secondary that heads into 2022 without any questions. That’s one great sign.

On top of praising Flowers, Tamarion McDonald received praise at safety and tons of reps in the process. That position was so loaded that Christian Charles, an elite speedster who figured to be a second-team safety this year, got action at cornerback, where two starters have to be replaced if you count the nickel spot.

Now, that’s one area of concern. No cornerback seemed to step up in the spring despite the return of Doneiko Slaughter and the arrival of junior college transfer Desmond Williams. Charles seemed to be getting the most praise at the position, and it’s not his natural role It’s the one thing that knocks this group down a bit.

Still, Tennessee football was without Brandon Turnage, Kamal Hadden, Warren Burrell and De’Shawn Rucker due to injury. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets transfer Wesley Walker and Ohio State Buckeyes transfer Andrew Turrentine won’t arrive until the summer. As a result, this unit was deep enough. Tyus Fields entering the transfer portal showed somebody performed well.