This poll should be a lot closer than our last one. No formality here, as we select a left cornerback for our all-time Tennessee team.
Denard Walker (1997-2000) — I never thought Walker got enough credit. This may have been in part because his first two years were in the Memphis and Vanderbilt seasons and he was overshadowed by Samari Rolle the next two years. Walker had 83 tackles and two interceptions in 1998.
Andre Dyson (2001-2004) — After Rolle established himself as a star, it seemed like quarterbacks would avoid him and throw to the other side, now manned by Dyson. While Dyson sometimes was burned, he was also the beneficiary of more balls thrown to his side, resulting in more interceptions. Dyson had 16 INTs (six in 2004) and 44 PD in his four years in Tennessee. Because of their salary cap problems, the Titans had to let Dyson walk in free agency in 2005.
Reynaldo Hill (2005-2006) — Hill became a starter in his rookie year but only held the job for one more season. He spent last year as Nick Harper’s backup. Hill is decent in zone but struggles in man coverage.
Nick Harper (2007-present) is the favorite to start again this season. With only one year as a starter, he will have a hard time making our all-time team. Like Hill, Harper is better in zone than man. Harper is much better than the others in run support and had 77 tackles last year, with three INTs, 11 PD and a forced fumble.
In our last poll, Keith Bulluck was selected as the right linebacker. This poll ought to be a lot closer.
Our defensive team so far:
LDE Jevon Kearse
LDT Kevin Carter
RDT Albert Haynesworth
RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch
LLB David Thornton
MLB Randall Godfrey
RLB Keith Bulluck
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