KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s revamped secondary was the topic of conversation on Monday after the Vols completed their 10th practice of preseason training camp. Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez spoke to local reporters about his unit’s cohesiveness, competition and consistency through the first two weeks of fall practice.
Martinez leads a group of young, athletic defensive backs that have steadily improved their instincts and playmaking ability throughout the course of fall camp. He noted that each position in the secondary has depth and competition, and the DB rotation will depend on the group’s versatility and consistency.
“I think we have multiple guys at multiple positions that we want to feel good about, and are feeling good about,” Martinez said. “Being on the 10th practice, we want competition, and we have that at every position … Our versatility that we’ve recruited allows us to be able to move guys around and play the best players: the guys that are performing and making the plays on a consistent basis. We’re in a good place right now. We just have to continue to improve each and every day like they’re doing right now.”
When asked about the cohesiveness of the secondary, Martinez emphasized the leadership, accountability and culture of the room. Veterans like Will Brooks and Andre Turrentine – who both saw extensive action late in the 2023 campaign – have stepped up to bring the young players along and expedite the group’s overall development.
“The cohesiveness will come from consistency and guys making plays,” Martinez said. “I love the room, I really do … They care about each other, and they hold each other accountable. It’s not a bunch of yelling and screaming. It’s very structured, and it’s really cool.”
Full comments from Martinez and select quotes from Brooks, redshirt junior defensive back Christian Charles and sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy can be viewed below.
Martinez leads a group of young, athletic defensive backs that have steadily improved their instincts and playmaking ability throughout the course of fall camp. He noted that each position in the secondary has depth and competition, and the DB rotation will depend on the group’s versatility and consistency.
“I think we have multiple guys at multiple positions that we want to feel good about, and are feeling good about,” Martinez said. “Being on the 10th practice, we want competition, and we have that at every position … Our versatility that we’ve recruited allows us to be able to move guys around and play the best players: the guys that are performing and making the plays on a consistent basis. We’re in a good place right now. We just have to continue to improve each and every day like they’re doing right now.”
When asked about the cohesiveness of the secondary, Martinez emphasized the leadership, accountability and culture of the room. Veterans like Will Brooks and Andre Turrentine – who both saw extensive action late in the 2023 campaign – have stepped up to bring the young players along and expedite the group’s overall development.
“The cohesiveness will come from consistency and guys making plays,” Martinez said. “I love the room, I really do … They care about each other, and they hold each other accountable. It’s not a bunch of yelling and screaming. It’s very structured, and it’s really cool.”
Full comments from Martinez and select quotes from Brooks, redshirt junior defensive back Christian Charles and sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy can be viewed below.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 12, 2024
Secondary Coach Willie Martinez
On what Will Brooks has done this offseason to allow him the opportunity to get more playing time…
“His preparation. He’s an everyday, consistent player who is very detailed. Whether that is in meetings, off the field or whether we are taking a day off, he’s somebody that we are leaning on for leadership because he’s been here for a long time and has done it the right way. His teammates respect him tremendously. He’s been very…
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