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Tennessee considers starting safety Edrees Farooq's injury a major loss and is cross-training Qua Moss at high safety while Sidney Walton, Dylan Lewis and DJ Burks compete in a thin backup group.

Linebacker Arion Carter will serve a one-game suspension against Furman and is expected back for Tennessee's following matchup with Georgia Tech.

Jim Knowles identified Jeremiah Telander as the defense's most important leader and plans to exploit his versatility and coverage ability against running backs and tight ends.

Knowles said Tennessee generated effective pressure against its own offense during camp through varied schemes, though he cautioned that the pass rush remains unproven in games.

Tennessee's tracked tackling percentages improved at every position from spring through preseason camp, providing an early positive signal for the new defense.