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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 Brandon Turnage (29) after a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football Bp
Tennessee defensive back Brandon Turnage (29) after a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football Bp /

Pick Analysis. 6'1 186 lbs. Brandon Turnage. 1. 839. Scouting Report. Redshirt junior. player

In his one start last year for Tennessee football, Brandon Turnage earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

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You can’t have a better case for the guy to replace Theo Jackson as Tennessee football’s primary nickel defensive back than the guy who actually did it last year and succeeded. Brandon Turnage had transferred to the Vols from the Alabama Crimson Tide, and while he and Doneiko Slaughter backed up Jackson together, Turnage got the start in his place.

This happened when Jackson had to miss a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. All Turnage did was step in and rack up 14 tackles, including two tackles for a loss. This earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week and made it pretty clear that he was the guy in line to replace Jackson once he leaves.

For the year, Turnage had 22 tackles, 12 of which were solo, to go along with those tackles for a loss in that game. Now, with Jackson gone, the starting spot has to be his to lose despite the fact that he missed spring ball while Slaughter and Dee Williams both participated.

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Given Kamal Hadden’s potential to replace Alontae Taylor at cornerback, Tennessee football’s two new starters in the secondary this year could be guys who transferred the previous year. Turnage is certainly the favorite to take on that role as Jackson’s replacement, but Slaughter and Wesley Walker will give him real competition.

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