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Tennessee Vols 2015 Football Season Preview by Position: Defensive Back

By Caleb Calhoun

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Previewing the Tennessee Vols 2015 football team at every position, here is a look at the defensive back situation.

Here in the secondary, the Tennessee Volunteers might be more stacked and loaded than they are anywhere else on the field.

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They have potentially the most overlooked superstar in Cameron Sutton, who has already proven himself in two years of play at cornerback. They have a cluster of players to pick from on the other side at cornerback, including a couple of young second-year players, an elite junior college transfer, and a solid recruiting class of freshmen this year.

If there is one place on defense to be sure of, it would be the cornerback situation. But the depth chart is not fully worked out here. While they have two seniors ready to go at safety and Sutton on one side, there are other guys in the system fighting to be the first in line if somebody gets hurt.

And again, that other cornerback spot could be completely up for grabs. Actually, two spots could be up since the Vols will often run five defensive back sets to combat spread offenses. So if the injury bug bites, then there is reason to be seriously concerned about what could happen if some players do not develop.

But outside of that prospect, this is a stacked unit with plenty of players to choose from who could become superstars. The mix of raw talent, veteran leadership, and depth will be perfect in this unit if everything goes the way it should.

Let’s take a look at how the depth chart for the Tennessee Vols secondary will likely stack up this year, starting with the cornerback situation.

Starting Cornerbacks

Cameron Sutton, Junior (Jonesboro, Ga.)

The most under the radar superstar on the Tennessee Vols roster, it is actually more egregious that he has not gotten any recognition than it is that Jalen Hurd did not get any. Cameron Sutton is a superstar who has been a lockdown cornerback for two years. Last year he recovered two fumbles, had two interceptions, and came away with a sack while shutting down his side of the field.

Going into this year, Sutton should be a superstar in the SEC and across the country. Don’t expect to hear his name called a lot because quarterbacks will be looking to throw in the direction of the receiver he is not covering, particularly since that other starting spot is not settled yet. But make no mistake, this is an elite player who will shut off half the field.

Justin Martin, Sophomore (Antioch, Tenn.)

Here the competition involves Emmanuel Moseley and Justin Martin, and while Moseley is the front runner, Martin’s speed will allow him to take over the spot in preseason. Martin ran the 400 in 46.8 and the 200 in 21.3, which by some estimates could translate into a sub-4.3 40-time. That’s incredible, and it’s too much for anybody to beat.

The 6’2″ 173 pound junior college transfer has the perfect size and speed to play the position, and if he could get a little bit more physical, his game might surpass that of Sutton’s from a coverage perspective. Tennessee has the potential to shut down both sides of the field if Martin’s speed translates to the football field. And that is why he will win the job.

Starting Safeties

Strong Safety: Brian Randolph, Senior (Marietta, Ga.)

One of the rare senior leaders on the team, Brian Randolph will step right back into the role he has had the past two years as the full-time starter at safety. And he could be a stud. Last year Randolph had 88 tackles, two interceptions, a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. This 6’0″ 208 pound safety can truly do it all, as he has done for the past two years.

Remember Randolph had four interceptions in 2013. Anyway, this year he should simply continue doing what he has been doing at the position, and if the cornerbacks are as elite as they should be, that allows for him to play a little bit more freely and be used in a variety of situations. As a result, look for him to rack up stats all over the field again.

Free Safety: LaDarrell McNeil, Senior (Dallas, Texas)

Perhaps it is an emotional factor or a loyalty factor, but LaDarrell McNeil has been through the worst of the program, starting since his freshman year. Yet, for some reason, everybody always seems to be waiting for somebody to take his spot. The same is this year with Todd Kelly and Evan Berry. But this senior has earned the right to finish out his career as the starting free safety at Tennessee.

McNeil almost lost his job last year but showed the versatility at playing both safety spots. He came away with 76 tackles last year, one and a half tackles for a loss, a forced and recovered fumble, three passes broken up, and two interceptions. And he played physical enough to be the main reason the Vols were saved from a humiliating loss to Vanderbilt. Overall, McNeil is experienced, talented, and has proven himself. As a senior, he deserves to keep his starting free safety role, and he’ll be effective doing it.

Backup Cornerbacks

Nickel: Emmanuel Moseley, Sophomore (Greensboro, N.C.)

Emmanuel Moseley is going to be a great player for the Vols and likely will become a starter next year if Sutton leaves early. But he will not be the starter this year. Still, Moseley will have his number called plenty of times when Tennessee needs to run a Nickel package, as he showed last year he can play physical. He played all 13 games and did break up six passes. So expect him to still be a valuable player for the Vols this year and to see tons of action.

Rashaan Gaulden, Sophomore (Spring Hill, Tenn.)

With Justin Coleman gone, Rashaan Gaulden was poised to step into the Nickel spot. But Justin Martin has pushed back Emmanuel Moseley to there. Still, Gaulden will be next in line, and he will be a great one. Gaulden did see action in 11 games last year and is a physical player who will definitely have a chance to show some more this year. Expect him and Moseley to both see time at Nickel, and both will come in at times to guard a wideout as well.

Malik Foreman, Junior (Kingsport, Tenn.)

A specialist at the position, Malik Foreman will likely be used more than you think on the field, just not all at cornerback. He will see a couple of snaps a game at the position, probably, and he will also line up at wide receiver some. And don’t be surprised to see him return a few kicks. This is a speed guy who just needs to be given spots on the field, but cornerback will be his primary position.

Micah Abernathy, Freshman (Norcross, Ga.)

The Abernathy family has great ties with Butch Jones and his staff, and Micah Abernathy is among them. The 6’0″ 181 pound freshman definitely has the potential to see some action and will provide significant depth for the Vols. But he will likely not play a lot this year.

Darrell “D.J.” Miller, Freshman (Cedar Hill, Texas)

A 5’10” 171 pound cornerback, D.J. Miller was a three-star recruit on Rivals who is an incoming freshman that may see some sporadic action, perhaps on special teams, but not much. There is a chance he redshirts this year, but he could definitely develop in the future.

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    • Backup Safeties

    Todd Kelly, Jr., Sophomore (Knoxville, Tenn.)

    If it was not for the fact that LaDarrell McNeil had earned his starting role as a senior, Todd Kelly would already be starting. The legacy player came out running a 4.5-40 at 6’1″ 190 pounds, and he made a huge impact his freshman year with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Kelly will still play a lot at the position, maybe even in some five-DB sets, and do not be surprised when he makes quite a few plays. This is a budding superstar in his own right. And the fact that he is there for depth this year shows you how loaded the secondary is.

    Evan Berry, Sophomore (Fairburn, Ga.)

    The starters at safety beginning next year will be elite legacy players who just have to wait behind the seniors for one more year. Evan Berry is another guy who will see some action this year, just as he did as a freshman playing in all 13 games and picking up five tackles. Berry is a future star perhaps not on the level of Kelly or his brother, but he definitely will have an impact. And as a kick returner, he could become a star next year after averaging nearly 30 yards a kick return last year. So do not sleep on Berry to make a big impact this year.

    Max Arnold, Senior (McKenzie, Tenn.)

    A veteran with the program, Max Arnold is playing at Tennessee because he wants to and will definitely give his all if his name is ever called. He will provide quality depth at the safety position and can also line up at linebacker and on special teams, having played all 13 games last year.

    Stephen Griffin, Freshman (Charlotte, N.C.)

    A freshman who was a three-star recruit on Rivals, Stephen Griffin will likely develop into a very solid safety for the Vols, but the position is simply too deep right now. If he is not used, he will likely redshirt this year, which is not that big of a deal. But he could see some action on special teams.

    Final Take

    There is simply no question about the secondary if everybody stays healthy. This is a loaded unit that only has a question at one cornerback position, but the talent of three guys, including the incredible speed of Justin Martin, should solve that in the preseason.

    The defensive back unit might just be the best for the Tennessee Vols this year, even over the wide receiver position. Them going against each other in practice is going to be quite the sight. The secondary can go two deep with elite players at every spot, and you cannot ask for much more than that.

    And there is an incredible mix of great talent and experience along with the depth. Simply put, nobody is going to be wanting to throw a lot against the Vols this year. Unless something crazy happens, the secondary will be stacked with talent.

    Next: Vols 2015 Football Season Preview by Position: Linebacker

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