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Tennessee Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: Justin Martin, Shaq Wiggins
Backups: Emmanuel Mosely, Marquill Osborne

Just like the run defense, Tennessee’s passing defense struggled in 2016. In fact, the Volunteers ranked just 72nd in the country against the pass, allowing 230.7 yards per game through the air to opponents. Fortunately, there is talent in the secondary to turn that around.

Shaq Wiggins could be an under-the-radar star on the defensive side of the ball. He is a former Georgia corner who transferred to Louisville before landing at Tennessee this offseason as a graduate transfer. He will be joined by Justin Martin, a senior first-year starter.

Emmanuel Mosely and Marquill Osborne will provide much-needed depth. Mosely has starting experience and was fifth on the team in tackles and first in pass deflections last year while Osborne is a rising sophomore.

Starting safeties: Todd Kelly Jr., Nigel Warrior
Backups: Evan Berry, Micah Abernathy

Back at safety is the team’s leading tackler from a season ago, Todd Kelly Jr. The talented safety could be an All-SEC talent if he lives up to his potential and yet improves on his coverage ability just slightly. He finished with 71 total tackles, two interceptions, a sack and two pass deflections last season. Sophomore stud Nigel Warrior is a name to watch at the other safety spot.

Backing them up are Evan Berry and Micah Abernathy who finished 22nd and second on the team in tackles last season, respectively. Both backups should have major roles this season.

Starting nickel: Rashaan Gaulden
Backup: Baylen Buchanan

The nickel position is so important in this defensive scheme and Rashaan Gaulden is the right guy for the job. The junior racked up 67 total tackles, third on the team, and six tackles for loss in 2016.  He also had four pass deflections and a sack. He’s a rising star on this side of the ball. Sophomore Baylen Buchanan is a more than qualified backup.

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