Evaluating Where Tennessee's Secondary Stands In Spring Ball

The Tennessee Volunteers secondary came under much scrutiny in 2022. Is 2023 going to be a bounce back season for the unit?

In 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers football team enjoyed a level of success that had not been seen in many years. With 11 wins and an Orange Bowl trophy, it was the kind of year programs build off of. 

Josh Heupel used cornerstones such as Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt to reshape the culture in Knoxville. This doesn't mean the team comes without faults. One area that came under fire was the secondary. 

Jaylen McCollough, Tennessee DB

The defensive backfield for the Vols was one of the team's weaker areas in the historic season. With new faces, is the secondary poised for a different season? We take a look at the four projected starters for the Vols, courtesy of ourlads.com

Gabe Jeudy-Lally, CB

The transfer from BYU comes in with veteran experience and 96 tackles since 2021. A sure tackler on the outside, Jeudy-Lally will shadow SEC wide receivers and looks to bring an extra dimension to the Vols' Cornerback room.

Wesley Walker, S

Walker, a transfer last season from Georgia Tech, is a safety that possesses size at 6'1" and 204 and can come downhill. Walker had 36 tackles with 5.5 TFLs in 2022 and looked to take on a larger role this season in Rocky Top. 

Jaylen McCollough, S

Jaylen McCollough is the most experienced member of the Vols 2023 secondary and perhaps the most decorated. As a freshman in 2019, McCollough was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for Tennessee. With 183 career tackles and 14 PBUs, Jaylen will be a leader in the backend, entering year 5. 

Doneiko Slaughter, CB

Perhaps the most versatile of the four, Slaughter can play at any spot in the secondary. The Senior has seen action in all three years he has spent in Knoxville. Slaughter comes from a 31-tackle season on the outside, with a pick and 7 PBUs. Alongside the newcomer, Jeudy-Lally, Slaughter looks to hold down opposing air attacks. 

You Might Also Like:

• Betting Guide: Tennessee vs. Duke
• Emmanuel Moseley & Cam Sutton Ink Deals With Detroit
• Tennessee Flashes Dominant Defense To Begin March Madness

Join the community:

Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.