Tennessee has more depth on defense. That doesn’t mean the Vols will be better this season. The quality of the newfound depth is the key.

“Do we have more bodies?” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said during the Vols’ annual media day on Sunday. “Absolutely.”

Banks is quick to point out that new players on Tennessee’s roster who are expected to contribute on defense had better be ready. Preseason camp and a full academic schedule in the fall can test the mettle of any new comer.

“We’ll find out soon exactly how much depth we do have,” Banks said. 

Banks didn’t want to reel off a starting lineup for his secondary, considering the Vols don’t even open preseason camp until Monday. However, he cited some rollovers from Tennessee’s secondary last season that should be more improved this season, such as Warren Burrell, Jaylen McCollough and Trevor Flowers.

Part of Banks’ task during preseason camp will be to insert newcomers along with a group that is improving, but struggled as the worst pass defense in the SEC last season.

The Vols have a pair of defensive backs who have college experiences elsewhere. Andre Turrentine and Wesley Walker both transferred to Tennessee from Ohio State and Georgia Tech, respectively. Turrentine is thought to be pegged to play cornerback while Walker is expected to play safety. Banks didn’t commit to either.

“We’re going to move all of those guys around…I think it’s a good problem to have,” Banks said. “We just want to coach defensive backs.”

The Vols have also picked up several linebackers to improve their depth and play-making ability at the position. They also have a handful of players who should be better just after being in their second year under a new coaching staff.

“You would like to think that those guys have better confidence going into the season…We’d be disappointed if we didn’t have more depth there as opposed to what we’ve had,” Banks said.

The secondary is important. When asked about Alabama coach Nick Saban’s comments about a defense is built around its cornerbacks, Banks said, “I think there’s a lot of truth to that…I think, traditionally, yeah, that’s a solid statement. I would definitely echo that.”

Tennessee’s linebacker crew will be highlighted by emerging super star: Jeremy Banks.

“He’s one of those guys that loves the game of football,” the elder Banks said. “He plays extremely hard. He’s very athletic. He’s tough. He has all of those traits that you look for from a linebacker perspective. I thought really that he was just scratching the surface of how good he could be last year. I think he’s worked very hard to shore up some things that we identified as liabilities.”

Tim Banks certainly didn’t mince any words when asked how good Jeremy Banks could be. There was no hesitation to declare that Banks could be one of the best linebackers in the SEC, if not the nation.

No matter how good Banks or any of his fellow defensive front teammates may be, Tennessee’s secondary is the key. The Vols know they have to rebuild a defensive backfield that struggled mightily in 2021. The rebuild, which has already begun, hits another level on Monday when the Vols open preseason camp.

“There’s always an urgency,” Banks said. “We talk about that a lot. Our mantra is “Love, trust and urgency.”