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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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Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Warren Burrell (4) reacts after losing against the Purdue Boilermakers in overtime in the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Warren Burrell (4) reacts after losing against the Purdue Boilermakers in overtime in the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest questions

1. Who is capable of becoming the No. 1 cornerback?

Again, Warren Burrell struggled when he moved to this spot last year, and we still haven’t seen Kamal Hadden in that role. Both have just proven they can start at the No. 2 cornerback spot, so who takes over on the other side? Will Burrell develop? Is the job Hadden’s? Maybe a backup from last year or a newcomer gets it like Andre Turrentine. Watch out for what happens here.

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2. Which player becomes the starter at nickel?

Just like cornerback, Tennessee football has open competition at nickel. The favorites are Doneiko Slaughter, who backed up Theo Jackson most of last season, or Brandon Turnage, who actually started and played well in the one game Jackson missed. Beyond them, though, you could see Turrentine, Wesley Walker, Dee Williams and even Cheyenne Labruzza compete for the job.

3. Have the safeties improved in quarterback containment?

This was an issue with the linebackers and why their PFF grades were so low, but containing the quarterback in the pocket also falls on the safety to a degree. Jaylen McCollough was a culprit here, which is why his PFF regular season grade was so low. If Willie Martinez doesn’t get his guys to improve this, they could have more issues defending the pass this year.

Final take

The honest truth about Tennessee football in the secondary is nobody knows. Although their pass defense was underrated last year when you examine actual numbers, it was as bad as advertised without Alontae Taylor at cornerback. Everything comes down to that role.

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Somebody will step up at nickel. The No. 2 cornerback spot will be fine. However, a competent secondary will be dictated by somebody stepping up to be the main corner. An elite secondary would be that and the safeties improving upon their weaknesses. There is experience and depth here, so Martinez and Tim Banks have a lot to work with. They need to take advantage.

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