Vols’ secondary using criticism as motivation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee free safety Brian Randolph has heard the criticism of the Volunteers’ secondary and is ready to prove the skeptics wrong.
Randolph says the defensive backs remind themselves every day that “people consider us the worst secondary in the SEC.” Tennessee’s defense gave up six touchdowns of at least 70 yards last year, while the other 13 Southeastern Conference defenses combined to allow only 10 touchdowns of that length.
Randolph’s return could help the secondary bounce back. He was leading Tennessee in tackles last year before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the third game of the season. Randolph, LaDarrell McNeil and Byron Moore give Tennessee a quality collection of experienced safeties.
But a lack of experienced cornerbacks offers plenty of cause for concern.
