Big Orange Report July 17, 2025

 

Meet the Vols 2025

Defensive Secondary

Position Coaches-- Willie Martinez, Alan Williams

All Star Candidates-- Jermond McCoy, Boo Carter

Jermond McCoy--Junior (6-0, 1900, 4.5) from Whitehouse, Texas (Transfer from Oregon State)-- McCoy suffered a knee injury working out in early January but he is reportedly ahead of schedule on rehabilitation and should be ready to go for the season opener. He burst onto the scene last fall after transferring to Knoxville and became on of the premiere cornerbacks in the nation. He notched 44 total tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and was named to the All-SEC team. He was a key factor in the win over Alabama with eight tackles and a pick in the end zone to stymie a Tide drive. He was named National Defensive back of the week following the Vols win over Oklahoma. Both Athlons and Walter Camp sites have named McCoy a pre-season All American and he will again be on the Jim Thorpe watchlist for national defensive back of the year. He made it to the semi-finals for that award last year. He is the best man to man cover corner Tennessee has had in several seasons.

Ricky Gibson, Jr. -- Junior (6-0, 185, 4.5) from Trussville, Alabama-- Grabbed a starting position as a sophomore to give the Vols one of the best pair of cornerbacks in college football last season. Gibson started 12 games after sitting out the opener with an injury and he has participated in 25 contests since he arrived, posting 41 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups. He had six tackles vs. two of UT's biggest rivals, Florida and Kentucky. His fourth down pass breakup in the endzone vs. the Wildcats was one of the most crucial turning points in that game. Coach Martinez believes that Gibson is going to be a legitimate star before he leaves Tennessee for the NFL.

Boo Carter-- Sophomore (5.11, 200, 4.45) from Chattanooga-- An explosive athlete that might see action on both sides of the ball this fall. Carter is the starting Star (rover) on defense but he also worked as the slot receiver on offense during spring drills. Add the fact that during his rookie season he led the SEC in punt return average with a sparkling 16.5 yards per runback and it is apparent that the Big Orange has a dynamic and versatile player that can be a difference maker in multiple ways in 2025. He can play any position in the secondary and also is a surprise pass rusher on occasion. He had a sack vs. Florida and was named SEC freshman of the week following that game when he recorded seven tackles. He was a member of the SEC All-Freshman team after last season. This is a player that Vol fans should enjoy watching when UT opens against Syracuse.  

Colton Hood-- Red Shirt Sophomore (6-0, 190, 4,5) from Mcdonough, Georgia (Transfer from Colorado)-- A key addition late in the spring portal, Hood was in the starting rotation for Coach Prime at Colorado last season. He was a projected starter for the Buffs this year but elected to move to Rocky Top. Hood is athletic with good speed and is versatile. He can play corner but also can fill in for Carter at the Star position. He booked 24 tackles, six pass deflections and swiped two enemy aerials last fall. He is also a candidate for kickoff return duties. Hood was a high four star prospect coming out of high school and spent one year at Auburn where he was red shirted.

Andre Turrentine-- Red Shirt Senior (5-11, 195, 4.6) from Nashville-- This veteran safety signed with Ohio State out of high school but transferred to UT after one year in Columbus. Staff is looking for leadership and alignment recognition in order for him to be the QB of the secondary. He has 13 starts for the Vols and has recorded 37 tackles and one interception. That pick against Iowa in the bowl game was in the endzone and stopped a Hawkeye scoring drive. Last season Turrentine's two best games were against Florida (six tackles) and Alabama (four tackles).

Edress Farooq-- Sophomore (6-0, 200, 4.55) from Columbia, Maryland-- The leading candidate to start alongside Turrentine at safety, Farooq played in all 13 games last season as a mainstay on special teams and a key reserve on the back end of the defense. He was a four-star ranked recruit after leaving national prep powerhouse St. Francis Academy in Baltimore. He is athletic and a downhill tackler that registered 13 total stops a year ago.

Position Summary

The UT secondary could have some quality depth this fall. Veteran corner Jalen McMurry (6-0, 190, 4.55), who transferred from Temple, actually had one start in 2024. Both underclassmen, Kaleb Beasley (6-1, 200, 4.5) and Marcus Goree, Jr. (6-1, 190, 4.55) have length and are quick and athletic. Beasley will challenge Farooq for the starting slot next month.  These two players have worked at multiple positions in the secondary. McCoy has been listed on a couple of preseason, All American checklists. Hood was an important pickup and he can also play most any spot in the defensive backfield. Coach Williams was a key addition and he is a former defensive co-ordinator in the NFL. 

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