Several defensive backs are of interest to Tennessee
Tennessee’s secondary is now getting a complete makeover. It’s not shocking at all given the depth chart’s senior concentration. Security The eligibility of cornerback Kamal Hadden and quarterback Jaylen McCollough expired. In an apparent attempt to make some more NIL money, players like Doneiko Slaughter, Warren Burrell, Tamarion McDonald, De’Shawn Rucker, and Brandon Turnage have chosen to play their final season or seasons of eligibility somewhere else.
On paper, the roster turnover seems severe, but Tennessee has done a good job of recruiting at the position. Though those younger players will receive their opportunities beginning in the spring, you still want to have a senior depth group to complement them.
Tennessee took a few steps this week to try to strengthen that depth. Defensive backs received three new offers, which makes sense given the departures we’ve witnessed in recent days.
McCoy, Jermod, Oregon State
After head coach Jonathan Smith left the Beavers to join Michigan State, McCoy, who just finished his first season, entered the program. In his lone collegiate football season, the 6-0, 170-pound defensive back was active, batting away seven passes and picking off two. Formerly, McCoy was a three-star recruit.
Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Oregon are also contenders in this game because McCoy is expected to have a huge rookie season.
On Wednesday, McCoy paid a visit to Tennessee.
Earlier this week, Devon Marshall received an offer from Villanova University in Tennessee. After his sophomore season, in which he was credited with 11 pass break-ups and 47 total tackles, he makes his portal debut. Marshall had logged into the portal on the 11th of December.
Up till now, Marshall has also received offers from Mississippi State, NC State, Vanderbilt, Houston, Indiana, Pitt, Boston College, Cincinnati, and West Virginia. The 200-pound, 6-0 defensive back would still be eligible for two seasons after this one.
Trey Jones from Central Michigan
One of Tennessee’s most recent offers listed on the transfer portal is for Trey Jones. Originally from Alabama, the Central Michigan safety moved north to play for the Chippewas. With over 40 games played, the 6-2 safety has 188 total tackles, three interceptions, and a strong game record. In 2024, Jones will be a super senior in his sixth year.
Remember that Tennessee still has the option to bring back Wesley Walker and Gabe Jeudy-Lally. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll learn more about those decisions.
