Experienced Secondary Ready to Lead Vols Defense

Two weeks away from the season opener against Bowling Green, the Tennessee Volunteers took Haslam field for the 13th time in preseason camp.

Secondary coach Willie Martinez took the stand after practice to discuss how developed and experienced his group has been throughout camp.

"I've been a lot of places, this group, even in the springtime, they did a really great job of getting lined up," coach Martinez started. "Eyes in the right spots … they're confident, they feel like they can get lined up fast enough now and actually get the calls in and get their eyes on the guy who is the playmaker, the formations, the sets, trying to ID to be able to make a good play."

Technique and fundamentals have been a key part of preseason camp, but Martinez expressed confidence that when the defense executes, they can compete with anybody.

"If everyone does their job, and does it to the best of their ability, and understands our defense and scheme and play fast and strained on plays, that gives you a chance if you do it on a consistent basis against fast-tempo offenses, or offenses in general in this league."

A few returning Vols in the secondary have been a great resource to establish the scheme of the defense and Martinez acknowledged the impact that leadership has meant to him.

"You can see the leadership there," Martinez said referring to Alontae Taylor, Warren Burrell and Theo Jackson. "I think that's why the young guys and new guys have really been connecting well with the group."

An added bonus is the coaching players in the secondary have given each other. That is how growth multiplies, according to Martinez, who couldn't' be happier about his team's commitment to success.

"If it's not player-driven, you've got no shot. I think they are doing a good job of that as a collective group on the backend. I think the whole defense is."