Defensive back is one area where Tennessee football has seen lots of elite college production. In 1970, the Vols made history by intercepting 36 passes as a team, and they have had numerous players turn into stars over the years.
Many of those stars have gone on to have great pro careers. Ever since the passing game began to evolve in the 1960s and 1970s, the Vols have taken advantage more than most teams with a focus on elite talent in the secondary.
During the 2010s decade alone, Tennessee football’s best and most recognizable NFL player was a defensive back.