Position preview: Defensive backs

Tennessee may not returned the most veteran group of defensive backs, but there seems to be plenty of talent in the secondary for the Vols.

The group is headlined by All-SEC pick Cam Sutton, a three-year starter heading into his senior year and one of the Vols' most dynamic playmakers. Sutton has collected 104 tackles, six interceptions and 26 passes broken up in his career and will be one of the best defensive backs in the SEC in 2016.

On the opposite side of the field from Sutton, the Vols return Justin Martin and Emmanuel Mosely. Martin improved as the season went on last year and really turned the corner the second half of the season, starting the last six games for the Vols in 2015. Mosely has started nine games in his first two years and seemed to benefit from the competition with Martin, playing one of his games against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.

Tennessee returns Malik Foreman at the nickel spot, who finished the season on a strong note. In the final five games of the season he had his best production. If he can stay consistent, he can be a much better player.

At safety, the Vols have to place long-standing starters Brian Randolph LaDarrell McNeil, but the options are promising.

Todd Kelly Jr. already has 76 career tackles and six interceptions in his first two seasons, the majority as a backup and rotation player, and finished spring practice playing really well.

Rashaan Gaulden has plenty of potential. He turned a number of heads as a special teams player in 2014 before missing the 2015 season with an injury and if healthy, he will make an impact for the Vols in the back half.

Micah Abernathy and Stephen Griffin could rotate at the safety spot as well. And Evan Berry, the Vols' All-American kick returner, could find his way into some playing time at safety.

At corner, Darrell Miller is a player that could help on special teams.

Tennessee added four defensive backs in the class of 2016, highlighted by Rivals100 standouts Marquill Osborne and Nigel Warrior.

Osborne quickly turned heads during spring practice as he locked up the backup nickel spot and finished on a high note in the spring game recording eight tackles. Osborne will find a role on special teams this fall and may be able to work his way into the rotation at defensive back in the season.

Warrior could be another player that finds a role on special teams or even work his way into a role at safety. Cornerback Baylen Buchanan and junior college transfer DJ Henderson, who was also with the Vols during spring, look headed more towards backup roles this season.

Even though Tennessee lost a lot of experience in the duo of Randolph and McNeil, the Vols have a lot of talent in their secondary. And, for the first time in a while, Tennessee also has a good deal of speed and athleticism.

The additions of Rashaan Gaulden, Micah Abernathy, Marquill Osborne and others should help the Vols be a faster unit. There is also plenty of experience at the cornerback position with Sutton leading the way. Moseley has played in a lot of games in his first two years and Martin gained invaluable experience the second half of the season.

But, the biggest difference you will see with Tennessee's secondary is the athleticism and that should make it one of the best in the SEC.

Even though there is a lot of athleticism with this group, there is still a glaring weakness for the secondary. Outside of Todd Kelly Jr., the Vols struggle at turning opponents over. Sutton had a great sophomore campaign in terms of interceptions, but only recorded one last year (a factor, though, was teams throwing less to his side).

Tennessee's secondary has to do a much better job of turning opponents over, especially if Bob Shoop is going to be as aggressive as he says he is.