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Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /
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Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Warren Burrell (4) reacts after losing against the Purdue Boilermakers in overtime in the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Warren Burrell (4) reacts after losing against the Purdue Boilermakers in overtime in the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Cornerback

1. Warren Burrell

No returning projected starter is fighting for his job more than Warren Burrell this year. Another player to miss Tennessee football’s spring practice, Burrell was awful filling the void Alontae Taylor left against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Music City Bowl. That’s what made it clear he won’t be the No. 1 cornerback.

Still, the Vols will need experience there next year, and Burrell clearly brings that to the table. He finished the season with five pass deflections, two tackles for a loss and 41 tackles, 32 of which were solo, along with a decent PFF grade above 60. As a result, he’ll still be a starter this year.

2. De’Shawn Rucker

Last year, Rucker appeared in six games and totaled five tackles. High highlight of the year for Tennessee football was blocking a punt against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite missing spring ball, he brings blazing speed to the position and is in the perfect situation to step up and become a rotational cornerback. He’s fourth among all guys we named, but the potential is there.

This spot came down to Rucker, Christian Charles and Desmond Williams. As a junior college transfer Williams didn’t make the impact he needed to make in the spring based on things that were said, and Charles is still more of a true safety. As a result, the better bet is on Rucker here.

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