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Tennessee football’s five best options to replace Theo Jackson

By Caleb Calhoun

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 /
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Alontae Taylor was easily the biggest loss for Tennessee football in the secondary last year, and that became clear with the Vols’ struggles in defending the pass against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Music City Bowl. However, Theo Jackson had a breakout campaign at star in his final year of eligibility, so replacing him will be tough too.

Jackson, who waited his turn to start, was a late pick in the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He finished last year with nine tackles for a loss, 11 pass deflections, a pick-six, one and a half sacks and 78 tackles, 37 of which were solo. It was his first year committed to one role too.

Now, with him gone, Tim Banks and Willie Martinez have a lot of work to do to find his replacement. Josh Heupel did bring in three transfers in the secondary, and UT does return quite a bit of talent, so there is a lot to choose from. Here are Tennessee football’s five best candidates to start at nickel in 2022 to replace Jackson.

These are the best Tennessee football Volunteers candidates to play nickel defensive back in Josh Heupel’s second season.

Tennessee defensive back Desmond Williams (25) drills during Tennessee football spring practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.Kns Ut Spring Fball 10
Tennessee defensive back Desmond Williams (25) drills during Tennessee football spring practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.Kns Ut Spring Fball 10 /

player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Junior. 5'11 190 lbs. Dee Williams. 839. 5

One of two junior college transfers in Tennessee football’s 2022 class, Desmond Williams was brought in for this immediate need.

Although he was only a three-star on the trail, Dee Williams was an early enrollee, so he’s already got a head start working in Banks’ system. Heupel also clearly took him to be able to immediately offset some losses in the secondary, and while that could include playing cornerback, he appears to be a better fit at nickel.

With all the injuries at defensive back, Williams joined Christian Charles as two defensive backs trying to work their way into the rotation for the first time. Unfortunately for Williams, his name wasn’t called much which keeps him down here for now.

However, Williams still provides college experience and experience within the Tennessee football system, so he has some advantages going forward that not everybody has. As a result, there’s a chance he steps in to fill the void left by Jackson, and if he doesn’t he could easily become part of the rotation there, which puts him on this list.

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