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. Three fresh proposals were made to defensive
backs, which makes sense considering the players that have left in the last few days.
These are the names you should be aware of.
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.
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