Tennessee just added another key piece to its rapidly evolving secondary, and this one hits close to home-literally. DJ Burks, a standout safety from Appalachian State, is coming back to East Tennessee, committing to the Vols after a visit to Knoxville earlier this week.
For Burks, this move is more than just a step up in competition-it’s a return to familiar territory. He’s a Maryville native, just a short drive from Neyland Stadium, and he helped power Maryville High School to an eye-popping 53-4 record over four seasons, including a 6-A state title. Now, he’s set to bring that same winning pedigree to a Tennessee defense that’s been aggressive in reloading through the portal.
Burks isn't just a hometown story-he’s been producing at a high level on the field. This past season at App State, he racked up 65 tackles, good for third on the team, while also adding five pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Over the past two years combined, no one on the Mountaineers' roster had more tackles than Burks. That kind of consistency and physicality is exactly what Tennessee’s looking for as it reshapes its back end.
The Vols weren’t the only ones interested. According to his agency, Winner’s Circle Enterprise, Burks drew attention from several programs, including USC, Wisconsin, MTSU, Liberty, and Sam Houston. But ultimately, the pull of home-and perhaps a familiar face-helped seal the deal.
That familiar face? Joey Aguilar.
Tennessee’s current starting quarterback for the 2025 season and Burks’ former teammate at Appalachian State. The two shared the field in Boone for two seasons, building chemistry on opposite sides of the ball.
Aguilar is still fighting for an extra year of eligibility, though reports suggest that a return in 2026 is unlikely.
Burks now joins a Tennessee safety room that’s quietly become one of the most intriguing position groups on the roster. Edrees Farooq is back after starting every game last season, and the Vols have been active in the transfer portal, adding proven talent from across the country.
That includes Qua Moss from Kansas State, Dejuan Lane from Penn State, and TJ Metcalf from Michigan. And that’s just at safety.
Zooming out, Tennessee’s secondary overhaul goes even deeper. The Vols also brought in Tevis Metcalf-TJ’s brother-from Michigan, and secured Auburn starting cornerback Kayin Lee. In total, Tennessee has landed 16 commitments from the portal so far: 11 on defense, three on offense, and two specialists.
This is a defense that’s clearly being built to compete right now. And with Burks in the mix, Tennessee adds not just a productive, experienced safety, but a player who understands what it means to wear the orange and white. Don’t be surprised if he makes an immediate impact-he’s done it everywhere he’s been.