Tennessee’s secondary is returning four out of five starting defensive backs from last season, with a fifth-year senior poised to fill the remaining spot, but All-SEC cornerback Jermod McCoy is missing spring practice due to …
As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for the 2025 season, their defense enters with an impressive advantage: four of the five starting defensive backs from last year are returning. With experience and continuity on their side, the Vols’ secondary appears poised for another dominant season. However, there is one notable challenge the unit faces this spring — the absence of All-SEC cornerback Jermod McCoy, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
Returning Experience
The strength of Tennessee’s secondary lies in its depth and experience. Four out of five starting defensive backs from the 2024 season are back in the fold, including some of the most reliable players in the SEC. The cornerback positions are expected to be anchored by veterans, with senior cornerbacks playing pivotal roles in the defensive schemes.
Tennessee’s secondary has been lauded for its ability to shut down opposing offenses, with the Vols’ defensive backs frequently being tasked with matching up against the league’s best wide receivers. With a returning core, they have a built-in advantage when it comes to communication and chemistry. This will be essential, especially as the defense looks to build on its solid performance from the previous season and continue to improve.
The Fifth-Year Senior Factor
While the majority of the secondary is already in place, there is one position still up for grabs — the last starting spot in the defensive backfield. This vacancy is expected to be filled by a fifth-year senior who has been waiting for his opportunity to step into a starting role. This player brings both leadership and maturity to the unit, offering a wealth of experience that should help guide Tennessee’s defense throughout the 2025 season.
The addition of this experienced player is crucial for Tennessee’s defense, particularly in maintaining continuity while addressing the gap created by McCoy’s absence. The ability to plug in a seasoned veteran ensures that the secondary won’t miss a beat, even with a slightly reshuffled lineup.
McCoy’s Absence and the Recovery Road Ahead
Jermod McCoy’s absence from spring practice is undoubtedly a blow to Tennessee’s defensive plans. The All-SEC cornerback was one of the cornerstones of the secondary last season, earning recognition for his shutdown abilities and his knack for making big plays in key moments. McCoy’s physicality and experience were central to Tennessee’s pass defense, which ranked among the top in the SEC.
McCoy’s torn ACL is a significant setback, and his rehab process will be closely monitored by coaches, teammates, and fans alike. While he is expected to miss all of spring practice, the team is hopeful that he will be ready to return in time for the 2025 season. However, the injury has created a sense of urgency for the Vols’ coaching staff to identify a viable solution at cornerback, at least in the short term.
The injury also provides an opportunity for other players in the secondary to step up and compete for additional playing time. Several young and talented cornerbacks will get a chance to showcase their skills this spring, which could influence the depth chart moving forward. The Vols will likely rely on the spring and summer workouts to assess which players can best complement the returning veterans and fill the void left by McCoy’s injury.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenge of McCoy’s injury, Tennessee’s secondary remains one of the most experienced and formidable groups in the SEC. With four starters returning and a seasoned fifth-year senior set to step into a prominent role, the Vols are well-positioned to maintain their defensive prowess in the 2025 season.
The key, however, will be McCoy’s recovery. If he can return to full health, Tennessee’s secondary could once again be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. Until then, the coaching staff will have to navigate the challenges of spring practice without their All-SEC cornerback, all while keeping their eyes on the ultimate goal: a successful 2025 season.
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