Tim Banks details how Tennessee secondary can replace lost leadership

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks knows the Volunteers secondary has a lot of work to do to prepare for 2022. In Banks’ first season with the program this past year, Tennessee finished dead last in the SEC in passing defense with 273.2 air yards allowed per game.

To add to that, the Volunteers lost a couple key members of their secondary in cornerbacks Theo Jackson and Alontae Taylor. With that being the case, Banks expects safeties Jaylen McCollough and Trevon Flowers to step into larger roles.

“Both those guys played significant roles last year for our defense and they’re both back,” Banks said in a recent interview. “We’re expecting both of those guys to continue to grow not just on the field, but with their leadership skills. Quite honestly, they did a tremendous job this spring. Tank was very vocal. He’s always been a hard worker but I think he feels now that he can be a lot more vocal in terms of leading. Flowers has made some strides as well. They’re great kids. Kids who wanna do well. Now stepping into that leadership position I think they’re a little more comfortable with it and we expect those guys to do it.”

McCollough led the team in interceptions with three this past season in addition to five passes defended. A four-star recruit in the 2019 class, he ranked as the No. 173 overall player and No. 21 safety according to On3 Consensus.

As for Flowers, he finished third on the team in tackles with 82 in addition to two interceptions and three passes defended. The Volunteers also brought in transfer safeties Andre Turrentine and Wesley Walker, both of whom will add depth to the position.

Tennessee already proved itself an offensive threat in Josh Heupel’s inaugural season as it ranked third in the conference in total offense. Tim Banks knows if the defense is to improve in Year 2, a lot of it will depend on how McCollough and Flowers can lead the secondary.

The Volunteers are set to open the 2022 season on Sept. 1 against Ball State.