Josh Heupel predicted to land transfer player that should help fix an issue that hurt the team in the College Football Playoff

As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for another exciting season under head coach Josh Heupel, the program continues to gain momentum both on and off the field. After a standout 2022 season, in which Tennessee broke through to the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time in nearly two decades, the Volunteers’ expectations are higher than ever. However, as with every successful program, there are areas that need to be addressed in order to maintain that level of competitiveness. One glaring issue that hindered the Vols in their CFP appearance was their defense, particularly their secondary. While the offense, led by Heupel’s high-tempo attack, remained potent and prolific, the defense showed weaknesses, especially in the secondary, that were exposed in their playoff loss.

Now, as Tennessee looks toward future seasons, Heupel and his coaching staff have been actively addressing these issues through recruiting and the transfer portal. One transfer player in particular is being predicted to make a major impact on the team and help fix the defensive issue that hurt the Volunteers in the College Football Playoff. This player is expected to bring both experience and talent to the secondary, making him a key addition to a defense that has the potential to take Tennessee to new heights in the SEC and beyond.

The College Football Playoff: A Tough Test for the Volunteers

Tennessee’s appearance in the 2022 College Football Playoff was a major milestone for the program. It was the culmination of years of hard work and growth under Josh Heupel, who had transformed Tennessee from a team in disarray to one of the most explosive and exciting offenses in college football. However, as with every playoff team, Tennessee faced a tough challenge in their semifinal game, and it exposed some areas that needed improvement.

The game that ultimately ended the Volunteers’ CFP run highlighted the struggles Tennessee had on defense. While the offense, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, continued to produce points and explosive plays, the secondary struggled to contain the opposing passing game. This issue was particularly apparent in the second half, where defensive breakdowns allowed big plays, and the Volunteers were unable to make key stops when it mattered most.

Although Tennessee’s offense was able to keep pace with the opposing team, the defense’s inability to get off the field and stop the passing game was a glaring weakness that needed to be addressed. For a team with championship aspirations, being able to complement a high-scoring offense with a capable and consistent defense is essential. It’s clear that if the Volunteers want to make another run at the College Football Playoff and ultimately win a national championship, they’ll need to shore up their defensive unit—especially in the secondary.

The Secondary: A Key Area for Improvement

The Tennessee secondary was one of the main points of concern during their playoff appearance. The Volunteers had several talented players on defense, but the defensive backfield struggled with consistency and communication, which led to missed assignments and blown coverages. In the SEC, where passing offenses are more dynamic than ever, a shaky secondary can be a major liability, especially when facing high-powered offenses like those of Alabama, Georgia, and other national championship contenders.

As the season progressed, it became evident that Tennessee’s defense was overmatched in critical moments, and opposing quarterbacks were able to exploit weaknesses in the secondary. This was especially noticeable in the game against Georgia, a team with a potent passing attack and elite receivers. The Vols gave up big plays through the air, and the inability to make crucial stops allowed Georgia to dominate in the second half, ultimately ending Tennessee’s hopes for a national title.

Heupel and his staff recognized that improving the secondary would be a priority in the offseason, and that’s where the transfer portal came into play. The transfer portal has become a vital resource for college football programs looking to address specific needs quickly, and Tennessee was no different. By targeting experienced players who could step in immediately and contribute, Tennessee aimed to bolster its defensive backfield and give the team a better chance at competing at the highest level.

The Transfer Player: A Key Addition to the Secondary

Enter Jaden Johnson, a highly-touted transfer player from Louisville who is predicted to make an immediate impact in Tennessee’s secondary. Johnson, a defensive back with a strong skill set and extensive experience, has been one of the most coveted transfer portal targets this offseason. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 200 pounds, Johnson brings a mix of size, speed, and athleticism that is essential for covering the SEC’s top wide receivers.

Johnson played for three years at Louisville, where he established himself as one of the team’s most reliable defenders. He made several big plays throughout his career, including interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the passing game. His ability to cover both inside and outside receivers, combined with his ball skills, makes him a valuable addition to Tennessee’s defense.

While Johnson is still relatively young, his experience playing in the ACC, a conference known for its offensive firepower, gives him a significant edge. He has faced elite competition and has demonstrated the ability to hang with some of the top quarterbacks and wide receivers in college football. Now, stepping into the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in the nation, Johnson will be expected to bring that same level of performance and consistency to Tennessee’s defense.

What makes Johnson such an important acquisition for Tennessee is not just his talent on the field, but also his leadership qualities. Johnson has the maturity and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football. With his experience, he can help mentor younger players in Tennessee’s secondary and provide guidance as they prepare for tough SEC battles.

How Johnson Fits into Tennessee’s Defensive Scheme

Tennessee’s defensive scheme under coordinator Tim Banks has evolved in recent years, and it continues to be a work in progress. Banks has implemented a multiple-look defense that is designed to be aggressive and opportunistic. The Vols often use a variety of coverages and blitz packages to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This scheme requires defenders who are versatile and able to adjust to different situations on the fly.

Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions in the secondary makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s defense. He has experience playing both cornerback and safety, allowing him to be used in a variety of roles depending on the situation. His size and speed make him effective in both man-to-man coverage and zone schemes, giving Tennessee the flexibility to use him in various ways.

One area where Johnson should be particularly valuable is in Tennessee’s nickel and dime packages, where having multiple defensive backs on the field is essential. Johnson’s ability to cover receivers in the slot or play over the top as a safety will give Tennessee more options when facing spread offenses and high-flying passing games. This versatility could be key when facing high-powered SEC offenses like those of Alabama and Georgia.

The Impact of Johnson on Tennessee’s Defense

So, what can Tennessee fans expect from Jaden Johnson in 2023 and beyond? First and foremost, Johnson is expected to bring a level of stability to a secondary that has been inconsistent in recent years. His experience and ability to make plays in critical moments will help shore up the defense and give the team a better chance to compete against some of the nation’s top offenses.

By adding Johnson to the mix, Tennessee will be able to rotate more players in the secondary, keeping fresh legs on the field and ensuring that they don’t wear down during the course of a game. Johnson’s leadership and communication skills will also be vital in making sure that the secondary stays disciplined and avoids the mental lapses that led to big plays last season.

In a broader sense, Johnson’s addition could help elevate the entire defense. A stronger secondary means that the defensive line and linebackers will have more opportunities to rush the quarterback, knowing they can rely on the secondary to lock down receivers. The better coverage on the back end, the more pressure Tennessee’s front seven can apply, and this could lead to more turnovers and big plays in Tennessee’s favor.