By Lily Helton
Tennessee’s defensive success has been a standout story across the country. Only allowing an average of 15.11 points per game, the Vols have been able to suffocate some of the best defenses in the country. Much of that success is due to outstanding secondary play.
Dejuan Lane and TJ Metcalf
Tennessee’s secondary was sort of a question mark going into the season. Projected starter Edrees Farooq was injured during the preseason, and the room had to change its shape quickly. Several new transfers filled the room, and the lack of proven SEC play alarmed fans.
What they didn’t expect was transfers Dejuan Lane and TJ Metcalf to emerge as key contributors. Lane has accumulated four interceptions this year, including a huge play during the second drive of the game against Kentucky, where Lane picked the ball off from Kenny Minchey for just the second time this season. That play set the tone of the defense for the remainder of the game.
“It was a game-changing play,” said Lane. “The interception, for me, is the greatest play in football.”
Metcalf has an interception of his own, picking off LaNorris Sellers in the South Carolina loss. Metcalf has racked up 53 total tackles and has been an amazing addition at the safety position, transferring from Michigan. Metcalf and Dejuan Lane continue to push each other on and off the field, and it has led to them becoming a dynamic defensive duo.
“Not only do I enjoy playing safety with him, I enjoy being his real brother off the field,” said Lane. “That bond goes on the field.”
Qua Moss and Cornerbacks Success
It isn’t just the safety play, though. Defensive back Qua Moss has been pivotal in the Vols’ success. Moss is everywhere on the field, engaging in every play. He has racked up 4.5 TFL’s, two sacks, three pass breakups, and five quarterback pressures.
Cornerbacks Ty Redmond and Auburn transfer Kayin Lee have also made their mark this season. Redmond leads the team in pass breakups with ten, and Lee has made two crucial interceptions of his own this season.
“We’ve had tremendous defensive back play,” said LEO’s coach Andrew Jackson, “So you can do a lot of things that spread a lot of fear.”
UP NEXT: As the Volunteers look ahead to College Station, the defensive unit will continue to emphasize pass breakups and interceptions, hoping to lead to more game-changing plays.
“They’re a pretty explosive offense; they have a mobile quarterback,” said Lane. “We’re gonna game plan; we’ll be ready for it.