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Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee Vols DB makes strong statement about UT's defense moving forward

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 10/11/23

Tennessee Vols safety Wesley Walker is aware that UT's secondary has played better so far this season than they did last season, but that doesn't mean he, or the rest of the defense, is satisfied.

Walker made it clear on Tuesday while speaking with reporters that Tennessee's defense still has plenty of room to improve, despite the obvious improvements they've shown this season.

"I [attribute] it to everything," said Walker on Tuesday when asked about the secondary's improved play this season. "The coaches, the front, the linebackers, the back end -- I mean, everything's connected. The pass rush is better with the secondary covering. The secondary is better with the pass rush. Everything connects. As long as we're all on the same page and ready to keep going and just have attention to detail, I think we can keep getting better. This isn't as good as we're going to get, I think we can keep getting better."

“As long as we're all on the same page and ready to keep going and having attention to detail, I think we can keep getting better. This isn't as good as we're going to get. I think we can keep getting better.” — Tennessee DB Wesley Walker on the Vols’ defense pic.twitter.com/d5cqb0DDap
— zach ragan (@zachtnt) October 11, 2023

The improved play of Tennessee's defensive line has given the Vols' secondary a chance to make plays. It doesn't matter how good the secondary is if the opposing quarterback is given plenty of time to operate in the pocket. Eventually, someone is going to get open.

Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks pointed out on Tuesday the importance of Tennessee's defensive front and the impact the defensive line's had this season.

"Any time you can get home with four, your coverage variety starts to expand, and it gives guys a chance to not just always be in one-on-one situations," said Banks. "Our front has done a really good job of getting to the quarterback, but I would tell guys, just like I said last year, I think our secondary has done a really good job of buying some time to give those guys a chance. It always goes hand in hand, but when you can get home with four, it definitely takes some pressure off the back seven in general."

As improved as Tennessee's defense has been this season, Walker still feels like they can get better. That'll be important with several huge tests looming in the second half of the season. If the Vols are going to have a shot at winning the SEC East -- they have no room for error after an early-season loss to Florida -- then the defense will have to shut down opposing offensive attacks from teams like Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia.

And it sounds like Walker thinks the Vols will be up the task.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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