Tennessee football’s top five options to replace Alontae Taylor

After playing some last year and working in the spring at cornerback and safety, Christian Charles is one of Tennessee football’s most versatile defensive backs.

Just like De’Shawn Rucker, Christian Charles was a true freshman cornerback for Tennessee football who was buried in the rotation last year but saw action at specific times, registering eight total tackles, six of which were solo and even a tackle for a loss and a pass deflection last year. He certainly showed glimpses for the Vols.

Also, just like Rucker, he blocked a punt on special teams. Charles did it against the Pittsburgh Panthers to set up their first touchdown. Combine those two things with Alontae Taylor and even Kenneth George Jr. gone, and it’s a safe bet Charles will see more action this year.

What puts him above Rucker is the combination of him being slightly more productive last year in limited action and also being able to play in the spring. Those two things probably give him a huge advantage, and it may be enough to work his way into a starting role earlier than expected. He did get lots of praise in the spring.

A speedster, Charles also got looks at safety this past offseason. As a result, if something does hold him back, it could be the coaches wanting him to switch positions. However, if he stays at cornerback, he’ll almost certainly see action this year, and he could take Taylor’s spot.