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Tennessee football: 2023 DB class stacked at safety during dead period

By Caleb Calhoun

The Volunteer waves a Tennessee flag during the Vol Walk before an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football
The Volunteer waves a Tennessee flag during the Vol Walk before an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football /
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Frederick Douglass’s Dane Key can’t make the touchdown catch against South Warren’s Cristian Conyers in the 5A KHSAA football championship Saturday. Dec.3, 2021South Warren Vs Frederick Douglass 2021 State Football Championship
Frederick Douglass’s Dane Key can’t make the touchdown catch against South Warren’s Cristian Conyers in the 5A KHSAA football championship Saturday. Dec.3, 2021South Warren Vs Frederick Douglass 2021 State Football Championship /

Commitments at DB for 2023

Sylvester Smith

  • Four-star (Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN); Three-star (On3)
  • 5’11”-6’1″; 190-200 lbs
  • Munford, Ala.; Munford High School

Listed as a safety across the board, Sylvester Smith was part of a recruiting haul Tennessee football enjoyed back in April/ He’s the most high-profile defensive back to commit to the Vols, and given who Tim Banks and Willie Martinez are losing, he’s got a great chance of fitting right in and making an impact in 2023.

Cristian Conyer (Athlete)

  • Four-star (Rivals); Three-star (247Sports, On3, ESPN)
  • 6’1″-6’2″; 165-170 lbs
  • Bowling Green, Ky.; South Warren High School

Don’t read too much into this because Cristian Conyer could play receiver. Josh Heupel loves top us his best weapons on offense, and depending on how good Conyer is with the ball in his hands, he could be a good fit for his system. However, if there’s a need at defensive back, Conyer could play on the other side, as he has experience playing cornerback.

Jack Luttrell 

  • Three-star
  • 6’0″-6’1″; 170-185 lbs
  • Moultrie, Ga.; Colquitt County High School

Listed as athlete on 247Sports but safety everywhere else, Jack Luttrell was the first commitment in the Vols’ 2023 recruiting class. Given his profile, it’s a safe bet that he’s coming to Rocky Top as a safety, and despite being a three-star across the board, that means he’s filling some voids.

John Slaughter III

  • Three-star
  • 6’1″-6’3″; 190-200 lbs
  • Southaven, Miss.; Southaven High School

Just like Jack Luttrell and Sylvester Smith, John Slaughter III is listed as a safety, making it very clear where Heupel focused his recruiting efforts. However, Slaughter could also be effective there, and it’s pretty obvious that’s the biggest position of need when you analyze the roster.

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