Tennessee’s Emmanuel Moseley celebrates his interception against Northwestern during the fourth quarter of the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla. Moseley has taken the lead at one of the Vols’ cornerback spots.KNOXVILLE – Tennessee’s secondary doesn’t appear to be entirely settled with the season opener only a dozen days away, but one preseason competition looks to be just about won.
Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said Friday that Emmanuel Moseley has “separated a little bit” from Justin Martin at the cornerback position opposite All-SEC star Cameron Sutton.
Moseley had his ups and downs during the first two years of his Volunteers career, but the starting job appears to be his to lose, though Martin entered the preseason as the favorite after starting the final six games of 2015.
“We give out what we call ‘swarm points’ for productivity during the course of camp,” Shoop said, “and LaTroy Lewis led our defensive line, (Darrin) Kirkland led our linebackers and (Moseley) won the award for the secondary guys. He’s in position. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.
“I think everybody recognizes he’s got good length, he’s a tough guy, he’s got good, valuable experience and had an interception in the bowl game last year. He’s just got to continue to make plays. He’s in position the majority of the time.