This is a massive uncertainty coming into spring.
The college football roster movement has mostly concluded with spring football only a few weeks away. Although there will be another transfer portal period from April 15–30 in the spring, most programs have all they need for the 2024 season.
This season, Tennessee witnessed a lot of departures, much like the rest of the college football landscape. Many important players chose to strike the portal rather than the defensive side of the ball, which took the most hits. The most significant departures were defensive end Tyler Baron, cornerback Doneiko Slaughter, safety Wesley Walker, STAR Tamarion McDonald, and linebacker Aaron Beasley, whose eligibility was about to expire, safety Jaylen McCollough, cornerback Kamal Hadden, and cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally.
Tennessee is really considering replacing its whole five-man secondary this autumn. ESPN’s greatest question about Tennessee going into the spring was about that. Chris Low centered his questions on the Volunteers’ revamped secondary after the publication released its top 25 questions for each team heading into the spring season.
Offseason headlines have been dominated by the NCAA’s investigation into Tennessee’s program and quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s recruiting, as well as Tennessee’s vehement legal defense of those actions. Iamaleava’s appointment as the Vols starting quarterback has Tennessee supporters excited. Despite his immense potential, one thing to keep an eye on this spring is how Tennessee reassembles its defensive backfield. All of the 2023 starters have left, and there has also been a portal exodus. However, the Vols, who also mined the portal for their own guys, including Jermod McCoy, the cornerback for Oregon State, like some of their younger players in the secondary. This spring, we get to witness Tennessee’s revamped defensive backfield for the first time. (Chris Low of ESPN)
The terrible passing game Iowa played in the Citrus Bowl gave us a sneak peek at this new look, but it was by no means a test.
Rickey Gibson is anticipated to take over as the starting cornerback. As a true freshman, the rising sophomore saw a good deal of play at the end of the season, getting crucial experience in preparation for a significant role in 2024. Jordan Matthews, a former four-star prospect, is returning from a redshirt season and may provide help on the defensive end. Christian Charles has previous experience in the role, while Christian Conyer is another youthful contender.
Tennessee added two transfers to strengthen that room. Jermod McCoy, a former Oregon State cornerback who had an outstanding first season, was the greatest addition. With three more years remaining, McCoy could easily assume a starting position in Knoxville. With two years left, Temple transfer Jalen McMurray also becomes involved. Both of these individuals will provide the room with some much-needed experience.
Tennessee brings back Andre Turrentine to the safety position. Turrentine filled in for Wesley Walker over the final stretch of 2023. There isn’t much experience available after that. Here, John Slaughter and Charles may be options. Tennessee added Jakobe Thomas, a transfer from MTSU, to strengthen the safety room.
Most likely, Jourdan Thomas will take over.
the position of STAR.
In addition, Tennessee will get four-star safety Edrees Farooq, four-star cornerback Marcus Goree, four-star athlete Boo Carter (who may end up at safety), and four-star cornerback Kaleb Beasley.
A fast estimate would indicate that (Jourdan) Thomas would win at nickel, (Gibson and McCoy) at the corner, and (Thomas and Turrentine) at the two safety spots.
When practices start next month, it will be important to keep a careful eye on this secondary pecking order, even though Nico Iamaleava and the rest of the offense will steal the show this spring.