Tennessee opened fall camp this week with most of its roster on the Haslam Practice Field, but one notable name has not been visible during the media’s open viewing windows: sophomore cornerback Ty Redmond.
Redmond may have worked later after reporters were escorted away, but he was not spotted by RTI during either of the first two practices. That stands out because the 6-foot-3, 200-pound corner is one of the most important pieces in Tennessee’s secondary heading into the season.
He was forced into a major role early last year after Rickey Gibson suffered a season-ending injury against Syracuse, and he finished the 2025 season with 43 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions. Redmond had his rough stretches, especially in the SEC opener against Georgia, but he settled in as the season progressed and closed strong.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Redmond has made real strides since then.
“(He) has had a great spring and summer,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said of Redmond. “He’s become more detailed, more interested in the details of playing the position and performing those details and techniques on a day-to-day basis.
He has exceptional length and natural talent, but I’ve seen him really take a better interest in learning the nuance of the position and how he can change his leverage, change his technique based on a given call and where his help is. And so I’ve seen him grow that way.”
Tennessee added Auburn transfer Kayin Lee to start opposite Redmond this offseason, but the depth chart took a hit earlier this summer when Miami defensive back Jadais Richard went down with a season-ending injury. That leaves sophomores Tre Poteat and Timothy Merritt in position to provide help at corner.
Josh Heupel said Tennessee is also at least considering roster additions during camp as the Vols navigate the changing eligibility landscape.
“Yeah, (we’re) in exploration,” Heupel said Tuesday. “Some of the details and what it’s all going to look like still is being worked through, but looking at those things.”
Tennessee has Friday off before returning to practice Saturday.
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