Josh Heupel said something this week that bodes extremely well for the Vols in 2022
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel said something on Tuesday during a media session with reporters that might be the most important thing he's said during fall camp. Heupel was asked about Tennessee's secondary and the second-year Vols head coach had an extremely encouraging response. "We're deeper in the secondary, too," said Heupel. "You guys […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel said something on Tuesday during a media session with reporters that might be the most important thing he's said during fall camp.
Heupel was asked about Tennessee's secondary and the second-year Vols head coach had an extremely encouraging response.
"We're deeper in the secondary, too," said Heupel. "You guys have seen that out at practice, just in the pure number of bodies that we have compared to a year ago, but (also) athletic movement, traits, skillset, all of that. That group has been purposeful. They compete with each other in an extremely positive way."
"There are pieces that can move, guys that are playing nickel that can move back and vice-versa. We have some versatility there. We'll play more guys than we did a year ago. I think that will help us be better in the long run. Great competition here on the back half. I'm looking forward to watching a little bit of that here as they get upstairs this afternoon and watching how they functioned in the scrimmage."
One of Tennessee's biggest concerns this season is their depth on the defensive side of the ball — specifically in the secondary.
The Vols lost several key defensive backs to the NFL in Alontae Taylor, Theo Jackson, and Kenneth George. Not only were those players talented, but they were also important leaders for Tennessee.
Fortunately for the Vols, it sounds like players are stepping up during fall camp. Guys like Trevon Flowers, JaylenMcCollough, and Kamal Hadden are going to play key roles for Tennessee in 2022. And it appears they're up to the challenge.
The Vols' secondary might surprise some folks this season. The improved depth, combined with the defensive line's renewed focus of getting after the quarterback without relying on blitz packages, should allow Tennessee's secondary to operate at a high level.
If UT can get things figured out on the defensive side of the ball, the Vols' first 10-win season since 2007 might be on deck for Tennessee.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
