Tennessee Football Defensive Backs Discuss Spring Practice Progress

Veteran players Ty Redmond and Edrees Farooq share their thoughts on the team's defensive changes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:18am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the fragmented movements and positions of Tennessee football defensive players, with sharp geometric shapes and planes representing the intensity and strategy of the game.Tennessee's veteran defensive backs embrace the challenge of adapting to a new coaching staff and scheme, with their experience and leadership set to be crucial for the team's defensive turnaround.Knoxville Today

With a new defensive coordinator and coaching staff in place, Tennessee football players Ty Redmond and Edrees Farooq spoke to the media about their experiences and expectations heading into the 2026 season. The defensive backs discussed the impact of the coaching changes, their personal growth, and the overall outlook for the Volunteers' defense.

Why it matters

Tennessee's defense struggled at times last season, leading to a coaching shakeup in the offseason. The progress and leadership of veteran players like Redmond and Farooq will be crucial as the team adapts to the new defensive scheme and coaching staff.

The details

Redmond and Farooq, both returning starters in the secondary, shared their perspectives on the defensive changes. Redmond emphasized the need to take on a more vocal leadership role and be a reliable player his teammates can count on. Farooq noted that having experienced coaches like new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has helped him feel more calm and confident heading into his second season.

  • The Tennessee Volunteers held spring practice on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Ty Redmond

A returning starting cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Edrees Farooq

A returning starting safety for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Jim Knowles

The new defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Anthony Poindexter

The new co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Derek Jones

The new cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

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What they’re saying

“Uh, just taking that next step, becoming a more vocal leader, you know, for the guys in the room and just being as a player that my teammates can count on.”

— Ty Redmond, Tennessee defensive back

“Um, it made me actually like more calm and not thinking too much. Like, I have somebody in the building now which has the experience of like how to play football. He's a Hall of Famer, so he knows what's going on and how we feel during certain situations. So, just having him in the building is just like amazing for me. It's it makes me feel like calm and chill.”

— Edrees Farooq, Tennessee defensive back

What’s next

The Tennessee Volunteers will continue spring practice and prepare for the upcoming 2026 season, with the new defensive coaching staff working to implement their schemes and get the players up to speed.

The takeaway

The defensive changes at Tennessee have been welcomed by veteran players like Redmond and Farooq, who are embracing the opportunity to take on greater leadership roles and adapt to the new coaching staff's expectations. Their progress and experience will be crucial as the Volunteers look to improve their defensive performance in 2026.