Tennessee’s rebuilt secondary is beginning to take shape. However, there’s much more work to be done in preseason camp before anyone begins extolling the virtues of the Vols’ defensive backs.
As far as a starting group, defensive backs coach Willie Martinez was not ready to make any depth-chart declarations after the Vols finished practice on Friday. He’s more concerned about seeing a new group of players, which include freshmen and some noteworthy transfers.
“We want to find out about a lot of guys we don’t know about,” Martinez said.
There is little question that Tennessee will be better in the secondary, but how much? The Vols ranked last in the SEC in pass defense last season so there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Tennessee would like to see significant contributions from two transfers this fall: Cornerback Andre Turrentine, who transferred from Ohio State, and Safety Wesley Walker, who transferred from Georgia Tech. Martinez said both bring a high-level of athleticism to the Vols’ defensive backfield.
Walker has played much more than Turrentine, who only played in four games for the Buckeyes. Walker started eight games for the Yellow Jackets last season.
“That shows,” Martinez said. “That’s not a knock on Dre (Turrentine) because he’s made some plays. Each day, he has looked more comfortable in knowing what to do.”
Martinez has seen plenty from Turrentine and Walker to be optimistic about their futures. He said both have shown the expected athleticism along with a strong focus on details that will make them better.
“You can tell it’s important to them,” Martinez said. “They don’t want to go on the field not knowing what to do. They ask question after question prior to coming on the field…They fit really well in our room. They’ve got some leadership qualities.”
The Vols are also hoping to get a boost from Dee Williams, a transfer from East Central (Miss.) Junior College. Williams participated in spring practice after enrolling at UT in January.
“Obviously, when he came in here, he didn’t know the scheme and the knowledge,” Martinez said. “Adapting from a junior college, you’re always going to have a tremendous transition there.”
While there have been growing pains, Martinez was very complimentary of Williams now that preseason camp is underway.
“He looks like a different player,” Martinez said. “He can get lined up. He knows a lot more about what his job entails. He’s more comfortable. He’s made more plays. He’s more confident and he’s growing. He’s doing a good job this camp.”
After the struggles last season, the Vols will take a “good” secondary. Anything else would be an added bonus.
