Tennessee football: Top 10 SEC stars Vols have to account for in 2022
Jordan Battle. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 8. player. 829. Defensive back. Alabama Crimson Tide
6’1″ 206 pounds
Very few defensive backs are as athletic as Alabama Crimson Tide safety Jordan Battle. Yes, the national championship game against Georgia was an issue, but he was having to deal with a litany of injuries to the cornerbacks and figure out a way to make up for that. Assuming they’re all deeper better-prepared this year, Battle is destined to be a superstar.
Last year, Battle had three interceptions and ran two of them back for touchdowns. He also had three pass deflections a tackle for a loss and 85 total tackles, 50 of which were solo. One bit of good news for Tennessee football is the fact that he was relatively quiet last year against the Vols. It’s unlikely that happens two years in a row.
Even by Alabama standards, few players bring as much to the table in the secondary as Battle when you combine athleticism, coverage and a willingness to play physical. Developing under Saban for another year, as he’s about to be a senior, can only make him more dangerous.
Obviously, Tennessee football wants to be able to torch teams through the air to win. Battle complicates that when they face Alabama, although to be fair, everything about facing Alabama complicates trying to beat them. You can’t really pick one thing.