To like football is to like contact, and Tennessee junior safety Edrees Farooq savors the multiple opportunities that come his way.
“I like to hit stuff,” Farooq said last week in a news conference. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”
Farooq started all 13 games last year, racking up 76 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he returned 45 yards for a touchdown at Kentucky. His desire to not only hit but hit hard was reflected by his four forced fumbles, which tied for second in the Southeastern Conference and tied for sixth in the Bowl Subdivision.
Tennessee’s four new defensive coaches, including coordinator Jim Knowles, were appreciative this spring of Farooq’s decision to stay in Knoxville — fellow defensive backs Kaleb Beasley (Louisville), Boo Carter (Colorado) and Rickey Gibson III (Texas A&M) opted for the NCAA transfer portal. Now, they’re appreciative of his daily attitude and production.
“He just picked things up quickly,” Knowles said last week. “He picked things up quickly and then put himself in position to make plays. Getting the scheme is step one, and then it’s can you function within that scheme and actually make plays?