‘In talking to people, it’s really unfortunate’ – Key Tennessee Vols starter is dealing with some unexpected adversity to start fall camp
The Tennessee Volunteers have been without a key defensive starter to start fall camp.
One of the Tennessee Vols’ most important players hasn’t been on the field to start fall camp.
Sophomore cornerback Ty Redmond hasn’t practiced this week due to an illness.
Redmond, who earned Third-Team All-SEC honors as a true freshman, emerged as a key player last season after starting 12 games in place of injured cornerback Rickey Gibson Jr.
The good news is that Redmond is expected to return to action once the illness clears up.
“I don’t expect Ty Redmond to be back for another week or so,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs on Friday on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will. “He’s dealing with an illness. There’s no injury — no problem structurally or physically. He’s just dealing with an illness that’s going to have to clear up, and it should clear up here in the next week or week and a half.
“I guess a virus is the right word for it,” added Hubbs. “He’s just dealing with an illness. In talking to people, it’s really unfortunate. It popped up literally at the first of the week. And they anticipate that he will be back in another week or so. But again, he’s fine.”
That’s good news for the Vols. Tennessee has already lost backup cornerback Jadais Richard for the season — the Vols can’t afford to take more hits in that room.
Senior tight end Ethan Davis is expected to return to practice soon
Redmond isn’t the only Vols starter that’s missed some time this week.
Senior tight end Ethan Davis also hasn’t practiced, but that’s expected to change this weekend.
“I anticipate Ethan Davis practicing on Saturday,” said Hubbs. “He’s not on crutches. He’s not in a boot. He’s not limping around. I think that was just totally precautionary. It’s an acclimation (period) — shorts and t-shirts type of day. He’s a guy who’s been here for four years. He knows what he’s doing.
“So I just don’t think they took any chances there. He’s also a guy who’s dealt with injuries his whole career, so you’re certainly not going to take a chance on that becoming something else. But I expect him to go on Saturday.”
Davis had the best season of his college career in 2025, catching 21 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He’s expected to be an important part of Tennessee’s offense this fall.
