Tennessee’s defense is a young group with limited starting experience.
Knoxville, Tenn. — Depth is Tennessee’s greatest asset, and not for the same reasons it’s an asset for the Vols offense.
UT’s defense is limited in its starting experience and has a mix of newcomers whether true freshmen or transfers so the learning curve and getting up to speed on the playbook is a real hurdle.
In the secondary at STAR, it appears Boo Carter is still trending in the right direction when it comes to his development and understanding.
Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks there was a bit of a learning curve Carter had to overcome, which is truly for nearly every freshman or newcomer.
Now after a full off-season, he’s said to have made enough improvements to make Banks believe Carter could have a really good year for them.
“He’s coming along,” said Banks. “I think at the end of the day, just like most freshmen, there are still some things he can continue to improve on, but he has been working his tail off and he’s doing everything he can to get ready. We’re excited about him. We think he is going to have a really good year for us.”
With the corners, Andre Turintine is one guy who has waited for his moment, from freshman year on his dedication has never wavered. He’s always assumed the role of the quarterback for the defense. He’s another one who Banks says will have the chance to showcase his talents this season.
Banks believes with the growth they’ve made and the depth they have in those areas .. they could be really stout in pass coverage defense.
“He’s always had the great intent to practice hard and be prepared when his opportunity comes, so I’m happy for him. He has worked really hard, and he will have a chance to showcase his skillset this season,” said Banks.
Jalen McMurray, transferred in this season after three seasons at Temple. In his redshirt sophomore year, he tallied 39 tackles, including 24 solo, 1.5 tackles for loss, and four pass breakups.
Now at Tennessee, he just seems so happy to be on Rocky Top with a chance to play in the SEC.
While the defense is still hammering out the roles and depth chart, he jokingly but meaningfully said he’ll play anywhere.
“Obviously, it’s a team sport, so I’m willing to do whatever it takes for us to be the best in the nation. Whether that’s inside, outside when they tell me to play defensive line, I will try my best to do that. Just being able to step in and really be an asset to help this team be successful,” said McMurray.
Jakobe Thomas is also a newcomer to Tennessee, he comes from Middle Tennessee State.
After transferring in the winter and now has a few months under his belt he’s starting to feel confident with his understanding of the defense.
“Definitely when I came in the winter and I met with Coach Banks, we talked a little bit of defense, but it’s hard to say I knew a lot then. But this spring, I kind of was getting familiar with it, and now that we have fall camp just wrapped up, I’m definitely very comfortable in the defense. I feel like I know it like the back of my hand, so I feel like I’m really comfortable in that now,” said Thomas.
Banks believes Thomas has positioned himself to also see playing time in 2024.
“Jakobe has had a really good camp, from spring and even this fall. I like where he is at, to be honest with you. He is a good tackler for us. He has a good physical presence in that backend and the sides we cover. I’m excited about where he is and his development. You know, I have to see it in games, but I have to see all these guys play in games. Practice is one thing and obviously, playing in games is another thing, but if he stays true to what he has done, I think he will have a big year as well,” said Banks.