Why Christian Charles is the 'X-factor' in Tennessee Football's new-look secondary
Christian Charles didn’t make it past the home opener of his junior season a year ago. The Tennessee defensive back was cut down by a season-ending achilles injury suffered against Austin Peay, done for the year before he could record a single stat.
This season, though? Expectations are high because of how much he can do in a young, new-look Tennessee secondary.
“He’s kind of an X-factor,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks told reporters on Tuesday.
Charles is just one of seven upperclassmen in the secondary. The two redshirt seniors, Will Brooks and William Wright, are walk-ons. Jalen McMurray and Jakobe Thomas are redshirt juniors, but both new to the program after transferring.
Andre Turrentine is back for his redshirt junior season and Jourdan Thomas should play a much bigger role in his junior season.
Christian Charles working at safety after previously playing corner
But Charles carries the “X-factor” label because he can fill so many voids. Even his own coaches sometimes forget how many positions he has played.
“He’s always been a kid (who is) really smart and versatile,” Banks said. “(I was) watching the tape against a couple of opponents and I forgot he played corner for us. We got him at safety right now. I think he can play any three of those spots.”
The third spot is the “star” position, which plays the role of a nickel back and can be filled by either a corner or a safety.
“Being able to cover and be physical and tough,” Banks said, “and he fits that narrative as well. But he’s definitely going to start off on the hash (at safety) for us right now.”
Banks was quick to note that no starting job has been awarded at this point, but rather safety is where Charles is starting training camp.
“We got a great room,” he said, “guys are competing. I don’t think anybody feels like they’ve won a job to this point and (Charles will) have just as much of the right to earn the job as anybody. We’re excited for him. Knock on wood he will stay healthy this year and he’ll be able to reach his full potential as well.”
Josh Heupel: Christian Charles can be Tennessee’s ‘utility knife’ in secondary
Charles played 10 games as a sophomore in 2022, starting six at corner. He finished the year with a career-high 35 tackles — 19 solo, 16 assists — and a fumble recovery. He played in eight games as a freshman in 2021, finishing with eight tackles, including one tackle for loss and a bass breakup.
He played late in the season-opening win against Virginia in Nashville last season, before suffering the season-ending injury a week later.
“He’s just had what you may consider just some really bad luck since he’s been here,” Banks said, “but he’s never had a bad day. He keeps his head up, he works.”
Now it’s time for that work to show, wherever Tennessee ends up needing him.
“He has an opportunity to be a utility knife a little bit,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said on Wednesday. “ … He’s really excited. I think Charles has grown so much off the field with just who he is and how he takes care of his body. Really excited to see fall camp unfold for him and seeing him continue to grow as a player.”
