The Tennessee Vols’ coaching staff found a hidden gem in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and he’s poised to play a key role as a true freshman this fall.

2025 three-star defensive back Ty Redmond is a player who didn’t generate a significant amount of hype as a recruit, but he’s likely going to play an important role for the Vols thanks to his strong showing in spring and fall practice.

Redmond, 6-foot-2/192 lbs from Alpharetta, GA, was rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 63 cornerback in the nation and the No. 702 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.

That’s not exactly the type of recruit that you expect to play in a key role as a true freshman.

Redmond, however, has quickly gained the trust of Tennessee’s coaching staff.

“Ty has had a really good spring, and right where he left spring, you know, he’s really tacked on here in the fall, showing a lot of consistency [and] playmaking ability,” said Vols defensive backs coach Willie Martinez on Monday. “We feel really comfortable with Ty, what he’s been able to do here [in] one-on-one situations with some of our great wide receivers. And he has good command of our package, meaning he knows our scheme. He knows how to play to it, so you build a trust, obviously, within the staff and with the players. And he gives us the versatility that I was just talking about.”

One of the big reasons why Redmond has been able to make an early impact with the Vols is because of his attention to detail and his desire to learn from the older defensive backs on Tennessee’s roster.

“Just looking at the older guys and trying to implement some of the small things [they do] into my game,” said Redmond at the start of fall camp. “So I can be even better than when I came in. I came in pretty skillful, but I [haven’t] seen it all. So taking mental reps and looking at the older guys and putting it into my game.”

“Even in the film room, at first I wasn’t a heavy note taker, but watching those guys, it takes a lot to play the position. So watching those guys take notes and how detailed they are in the film room, that really helped me a lot.”

Recruiting is an inexact science. Players obviously need to have the athletic traits to play in the SEC, but makeup is arguably just as important. Redmond is a player who is eager to learn. He understands that he hasn’t seen it all and he still has a lot to learn. That kind of growth mindset is undoubtedly a big reason why he’s put himself in a position to see the field as a true freshman (and I’m guessing that mindset was a big part of why Tennessee’s coaching staff targeted Redmond as a recruit).

Redmond will likely open the season as one of Tennessee’s top reserve cornerbacks. He should see plenty of action this fall.

By the way, anytime a defensive back plays as a true freshman, it should be considered a massive recruiting win for the coaching staff.

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