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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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Tennessee defensive back Cheyenne Labruzza (44) participates in a drill during Vols football fall practice on University of Tennessee’s campus Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.Volfootball0803 0622
Tennessee defensive back Cheyenne Labruzza (44) participates in a drill during Vols football fall practice on University of Tennessee’s campus Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.Volfootball0803 0622 /

Cheyenne Labruzza. 4. 839. Redshirt senior. 5'11 200 lbs. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Just like Theo Jackson did himself, Cheyenne Labruzza played multiple positions in Tennessee football’s secondary early on, and both arrived in 2017.

We all forget about this, but Labruzza appeared in four games with Tennessee football back in 2017. He has spent most of his time at safety, but similar to Theo Jackson, he has the profile of a guy who could play nickel. As a result, entering his final year of eligibility, his experience could help him find a spot in the rotation here.

Labruzza has been a reserve his whole career on Rocky Top, registering a total of seven tackles, six of which were solo. He was part of the same class that included not just Jackson but Shawn Shamburger, who started in place of Jackson before leaving the program mid-2020.

Given the fact that both were breakout stars at nickel under different coaching staffs, could Labruzza follow in their footsteps? Hey, Solon Page III finally worked his way into the regular rotation last year at linebacker, so these things have been possible under Josh Heupel.

Before Heupel arrived, Labruzza had appeared in 29 games with the Vols over four years, so there’s every reason in the world to believe he could see some action this year. He’s once again flying under the radar, but this is an open spot up for grabs, and Labruzza has been at UT for a while, so don’t sleep on him.

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