ESPN highlights the primary inquiry surrounding the Tennessee Vols for the year 2024.
The Tennessee Vols stand poised to make a significant impact in 2024, largely due to the presence of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a former No. 1 overall recruit. Iamaleava is anticipated to elevate Tennessee’s offense with his exceptional athleticism, field awareness, decision-making, and arm strength. However, for the Vols to contend for a championship, their defense, particularly the secondary, must also elevate its performance.
Tennessee has faced challenges defending against the pass in recent seasons. Nonetheless, with a revamped secondary expected for the 2024 season, there is potential for marked improvement. ESPN identifies this reconstructed secondary as the primary question mark for the Vols heading into the upcoming season.
The offseason has been dominated by NCAA scrutiny of Tennessee’s recruitment of Nico Iamaleava, followed by the program’s vigorous legal response. Despite this distraction, Tennessee fans are eager to witness Iamaleava’s debut as the Vols’ starting quarterback. Nevertheless, attention will also be on how Tennessee addresses its defensive backfield during spring practice. With the departure of all starters from 2023 and additional losses to the transfer portal, the Vols have turned to younger players and recruited talent like Jermod McCoy from Oregon State to bolster their secondary.
While the focus surrounds the exodus of players from Tennessee’s secondary via the transfer portal, the departures present opportunities for emerging young talents with high potential to step up and contribute significantly to the team.
