Tennessee football: Top 10 games in 2021 by Vols returning for 2022
839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. South Carolina. Brandon Turnage. 8. player
14 tackles (7 solo); 2 TFLs
Most of Tennessee football’s standout defensive performances came with players who have since gone to the NFL, as Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson were the stars. However, other defensive backs who are returning had standout performances as well.
Jaylen McCollough had an interception and two pass breakups against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Trevon Flowers had an interception and nine tackles, five of which were solo, against the Ole Miss Rebels. Kamal Hadden forced a fumble, registered a tackle for a loss and finished with eight total tackles, six of which were solo, against Alabama.
Shockingly, Brandon Turnage had the best performance of any returning defensive back, though. He stepped in at nickel against the South Carolina Gamecocks when Jackson was out, and there was no drop-off. Turnage churned out the exact type of performance you want from your nickel.
Finishing with two tackles for a loss and 14 tackles, seven of which were solo, Turnage was all over the field, and he was actually named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. The Alabama Crimson Tide transfer generated tons of hype behind what he could do as Jackson’s replacement this year on that game alone. As a result, his play then has to make this list.