Vols lose beginning DB Thomas (knee) for season

• Chris Low, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterAug 5, 2024, 02:15 PM ET

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  • College football reporter
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

Tennessee’s Jourdan Thomas, a projected starter in the Vols’ protective backfield, has actually been lost for the season after injuring his right knee in practice last Saturday.Thomas, a junior, is arranged to go through surgical treatment later on this week, school authorities stated. He was working with the first string at the hybrid Star position, a nickelback role, after appearing in 25 games over the previous 2 seasons. He had 18 overall deals with, including two for loss, and obstructed a punt last season. Thomas has actually fought injuries throughout his career.The Vols were already needing to replace all four starters in the secondary and lost 11 protective backs given that the end of last season to either the NFL or move portal, consisting of two-year starter Tamarion McDonald at the Star position. McDonald moved to Louisville.Tennessee’s personnel likes its young skill at protective back, and ESPN 300 signee Boo Carter might see even more playing time now as a true freshman with Thomas out. Redshirt sophomore Christian Harrison has actually also worked some this preseason at the Star position, and others competing for a starting security task may get a look.Coach Josh Heupel singled out Thomas as one of the Vols’leaders in the secondary to open preseason

camp. Tennessee completed eighth in the SEC last season in pass defense and connected for 121st nationally in pass conclusion percentage (65.2 ). It assists that this need to be the best and inmost defensive line the Vols have actually had under Heupel.