Tennessee Football vs. Texas A&M: Top three Vols to watch for

Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (5) jumps up after nearly intercepting the ball during a football game between Tennessee and Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.
Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (5) jumps up after nearly intercepting the ball during a football game between Tennessee and Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

2. Kamal Hadden: Defensive Excellence

Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (5) shows how close he was to intercepting the ball during a football game between Tennessee and Austin Peay at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden (5) shows how close he was to intercepting the ball during a football game between Tennessee and Austin Peay at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. /

While offense often takes most of the spotlight, the defensive side of the game cannot be overlooked, and Kamal Hadden is a player to watch on the defensive unit. Hadden, a talented cornerback, has been a reliable presence in the Vols’ secondary. His coverage skills, speed, and ability to read the opposing quarterback make him a critical asset in Tennessee’s defensive schemes.

This season, Kamal Hadden has been nothing short of remarkable. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), his coverage grade stands at an impressive 86, ranking 10th nationally and 3rd in the fiercely competitive SEC. His performance, when targeted, is nothing short of remarkable. Among the 26 targets he’s faced, he’s allowed only 10 receptions, resulting in an astonishingly low completion percentage of just 38.5%. Hadden’s ability to minimize yardage is a testament to his tenacity, having allowed just 26 yards with a mere 6.4 yards after the catch. Furthermore, he boasts an impressive 5 pass breakups and has secured 2 interceptions so far this season.

As Tennessee Football gears up to face the Texas A&M Aggies, it’s imperative to keep a keen eye on Kamal Hadden. His incredible defensive prowess could be a game-changer, especially in a match where the Texas A&M offense, fresh from a battle with Alabama, will be looking to exploit any weaknesses. Hadden’s presence in the secondary provides a sense of assurance in an encounter where every defensive stop could potentially be a game-altering turning point.