Spring Primer: Who will replace Nigel Warrior at Safety position?

Spring Primer for the safety position

One of the biggest holes left in the Tennessee defense is going to be at safety. The Vols lost Nigel Warrior to graduation, and rising junior Trevon Flowers is recovering from a broken leg that cost him the final seven games of the 2019 season. While Flowers should figure into the battle for one of the starting safety spots, the battles for both jobs should be interesting. The Vols brought in a considerable amount of talent capable of playing at safety in the last three recruiting classes, and some of those players will look to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup this spring. Since both spots should be open for competition, this article will focus on who our staff anticipates will take over for Warrior.

Brandon: The Vols have done a nice job of stockpiling talent at the safety position. With the reputations of Jeremy Pruitt and Derek Ansley as excellent developers of defensive backs, the Vols have had great success in recruiting those positions. Several players with the biggest upside on the Tennessee roster play at the safety position, which would normally make choosing a likely starter difficult. However, at least for the spot replacing Warrior, the choice is pretty clear. Look for rising Sophomore Jalen "Tank" McCollough to earn the starting job.

McCollough was one of the highest-rated recruits in Tennessee's 2019 class, and for good reason. McCollough has every facet that a coach wants to see from a safety. He has excellent speed that helps him in man coverage and to cover ground when he is in a deep zone. He also has excellent cover skills and technique, meaning that coaches don't feel it is a disadvantage to have him in one-on-one coverage with backs, tight ends, or wide receivers. McCollough is also an asset in run support, reading plays well, and attacking ball carriers. He is also one of the hardest hitters on the team while doing so with good form. McCollough has shown his playmaking ability in his limited action as a freshman, but the talent is clear to see. Add into the equation a high football IQ and the natural leadership he brings, the former Hillgrove product feels like the obvious successor to Warrior.

Matt: Jaylen McCollough was recruited to Tennessee to replace Nigel Warrior, and that is what he will do this season. Warrior performed at a high-level last year, and McCollough's early arrival on campus helped to drive the competition at the position. McCollough played in each game last season and totaled 33 tackles, 24 being solo. He saw valuable game experience and displayed why he was so highly recruited coming out of high school, which led to him starting the final six games of the season alongside Warrior.

McCollough was the captain of a complex Hillgrove (GA) defense that was one of the best in the country in 2019. He was the vocal leader, and that will be expected of him in Jeremy Pruitt's defense. Warrior's departure leaves a void in a leadership role that will be required in a secondary as complex as Jeremy Pruitt's. McCollough had a 4.0 coming out of Hillgrove, he is a finance major, and he will step into the learning role with ease. Theo Jackson will be his biggest competitor, and he will likely play in the rotation during the season.