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Tennessee football’s 10 toughest players to replace for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Out of eligibility. 6. 35. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. Theo Jackson. player

Drafted by Tennessee Titans (Round 6, pick 204)

Nobody had a solid senior campaign like Theo Jackson. After spending years as a utility player for Tennessee football in the secondary, Josh Heupel brought in Tim Banks to install his scheme, and Jackson was able to be the full-time starter at nickel. Settling into one role allowed him to flourish, and it showed throughout the year.

Jackson finished with a team-leading 11 pass deflections. He also had a pick-six, nine tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks and 78 total tackles, 37 of which were solo. Being so productive is what allowed him to be shockingly selected in the NFL Draft, which many didn’t see coming.

Now, the reason Jackson, who ended up making All-SEC, isn’t higher on this list is because the Vols have actually seen what his replacement could do. Brandon Turnage started at nickel last year against the South Carolina Gamecocks when Jackson was out and ended up winning SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

However, Jackson is still higher than other guys because one game by Turnage doesn’t prove he can consistently offset the production lost with Jackson’s departure. Only time will tell if that’s the case, but either way, because of what he gave to UT, Vol fans will miss Jackson.

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