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Tennessee football 2022 secondary preview: Will transfers offset two big losses?

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Kamal Hadden (13) and defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) celebrate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Kamal Hadden (13) and defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) celebrate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Everybody’s main question surrounding Tennessee football entering this season is about the defense, and the particular focus is the pass defense. There’s good reason for that. UT gave up over 273 yards a game through the air last year, which was No. 122 nationally. Now, that was a bit skewed because of Josh Heupel’s system.

However, even the system couldn’t be an excuse for what happened in the Music City Bowl against the Purdue Boilermakers. Without its best cornerback, UT gave up over 500 yards and 11 yards an attempt. That cornerback is now gone for good, to the NFL.

In fact, the Vols suffered multiple losses in the secondary. As we get set to preview Tennessee football’s defensive backs, we’ll analyze those key losses and what they mean going forward. However, we’ll also look at what the returning talent and newcomers can do to offset it. Let’s start with who’s gone, though.

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Alontae Taylor

By far the Vols’ biggest loss, Alontae Taylor had the highest PFF regular season grade of anybody on defense last year. The second round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints was UT’s top cornerback. He opted out of the bowl game, and the secondary had its worst performance of the year, so replacing him will be hard.

Theo Jackson

We saw what can happen without Taylor. Losing Theo Jackson, the Vols’ nickel, makes it worse. Jackson had the second highest PFF grade on defense. Both he and Taylor had pick-sixes last year. They also led the team in pass deflections with 11 and six respectively, and Jackson added nine tackles for a loss. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round,

Kenneth George Jr.

Under Jeremy Pruitt, Kenneth George Jr. was a regular contributor, but he saw his action decrease in Tim Banks’ system last year, playing limited minutes. However, he brought experience to the table and signed with the Titans, so he’s still a loss to deal with.

Tyus Fields

In 2019, Tyus Fields was a highly touted commit who could play anywhere in the secondary. However, he saw almost no action in three years and subsequently entered the transfer portal.

Bradley Jones

A walk-on out of Memphis in 2017, Bradley Jones saw no real action for the Vols and graduated.

Marshall Ware

Just like Jones, Ware was a walk-on from Memphis. He had years of eligibility left with Tennessee football but is no longer listed on the roster.

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