National media outlet names biggest concern for Tennessee Vols after the completion of spring practice

The Tennessee Vols' offseason is now in full swing with spring practice in the books.

Tennessee will enter the 2024 season as a program that has a legitimate chance to reach the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

But for that to happen, Tennessee's new-look secondary will have to perform at a high level.

Tennessee lost eight defensive backs to the NCAA transfer portal/eligibility this offseason.

The good news for the Vols is that they brought in several transfer additions that should be immediate contributors for UT. Tennessee also has several young defensive backs, including true freshman safety Boo Carter, who should be ready to make an impact for the Volunteers.

While there's plenty of reason for optimism when it comes to Tennessee's secondary, it's also the program's biggest concern this offseason according to 247Sports .

The national sports media outlet named each top 25 program's biggest concern entering the offseason and they went with the secondary for the Vols.

From 247Sports: "All signs are pointing to a bounce-back year for Tennessee's offense, but whether or not the Vols can continue on their upward trend on defense will hinge on how a new-look secondary performs. The entire back end has been overhauled with fresh blood replacing a slew of veterans and could have five new starters this season (some started two and three games at the end of 2023), and while the Vols are confident they upgraded the athleticism and play-making ability, the DBs are easily the most unproven position on the roster."

Tennessee's secondary could be the X-factor for the Volunteers in 2024. If the secondary takes a step forward with a mostly new cast, then we could see Tennessee's defense take a major step forward this fall.

But if the new-look secondary takes a step back, it will put more pressure on the Vols' defensive line to perform at a high level. It will also put more pressure on the offense to put points on the board.

Tennessee feels good about where they're at with their secondary, but we won't know if those good feelings will translate to production until the Vols take the field this fall.

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