2nd-year surge: Micah Abernathy

[kamoshika]

Abernathy was ranked by most analysts as a cornerback prospect, and Tennessee tried him there for a bit before moving him to the nickel role, where he practiced most of the season and even got some game reps here and there.

Coaches continued tinkering with Abernathy again in the spring, adding safety reps into the mix while still getting him work at nickel from time to time.

By all accounts — or at least every account we’ve heard — those moves have worked out well for Abernathy and everyone else. The former Top247 prospect looks much faster at safety and nickel than he did at corner, and he’s been plenty physical, as well. Any time you move a corner to safety you’re going to wonder how well he can hit and hold up in the box, and Abernathy seems to have answered those questions pretty well.
Second-Year Surge: Tennessee Vols football's Micah Abernathy

 

[leftygray]

I can't wait to see a fast, physical defense flying around the field this year. I actually think I'm more excited about watching the defense than offense.

 

[goldenvol]

The story gives Micah credit for his brother's blocking for Berry on kick off returns.

 

[eman17]

The story gives Micah credit for his brother's blocking for Berry on kick off returns.

It gave him credit for his blocking. Micah was the one back there with Evan on kick returns.

 

[goldenvol]

It gave him credit for his blocking. Micah was the one back there with Evan on kick returns.

I thought Ralph David (I think that's right) was beside Evan and would do the lead blocking. Maybe I didn't see it right.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

I thought Ralph David (I think that's right) was beside Evan and would do the lead blocking. Maybe I didn't see it right.

It was Micah. RDA was banged up for almost the entire season. He might have been back there the first game or two (still not sure about this, since he's too small to be a great lead blocker), but Micah was there the vast majority of the season.

 

[Ace]

Micah was an outstanding blocker on special teams. Looking forward to a breakout 2016.