TKJr not a starter?

[VOLnVANDYland]

Why is TKjr not listed as a starter? Is he struggling coming off an injury year? Is he really a step behind Abernathy? Can someone explain why he might not be the best fit for Pruitt’s scheme, because at least in my mind he was an above average player in the secondary for us (balled out vs OU and Fla in 2016, but maybe I’m blacking out on his struggles...). Anyways, thoughts VN?

 

[CoaxialOrange]

He will struggle to see the field. He's coming off a tough injury and apparently either isn't a fit or does not have the measurables Pruitt is looking for. Pruitt obviously knows what the secondary should look like

 

[skasper06]

Was also curious about this. I thought TK was one of the few no-brainer starters. He’s a ball hawk that gets interceptions playing center field. I thought him and warrior would play safeties with Abernathy running the nickel. TK has balled out from day one making some big time plays. As a rSR it’s surprising to not only see he isn’t starting but that he’s listed as third string. I’ve heard his knee isn’t 100% so maybe that’s got something to do with it. I hope someone in the media asks CJP about this.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

He will struggle to see the field.

I keep seeing posts like this, but I’m in the same boat as the OP in that I just don’t understand. He was one of the best DB’s we had in the backfield for a couple of years. The dude was a serious ballhawk and laid the wood a couple of good times too. What changed?

 

[VolAllen]

I believe there was an incident where he fell (jumped?) off a balcony and had some sort of breakdown in the offseason. Am I remembering that correctly or no? Something to do with a girl....?

Not that this has anything to do with his playing time....but coupled with an injury, it could play a part.

 

[CoaxialOrange]

I keep seeing posts like this, but I’m in the same boat as the OP in that I just don’t understand. He was one of the best DB’s we had in the backfield for a couple of years. The dude was a serious ballhawk and laid the wood a couple of good times too. What changed?

Well IIRC he put off a needed surgery to continue playing had to miss last year and it probably cost him a step or two. I remember reading a couple reports after he shut it down that he had lost a step or two... Also read something on TOS that said he would mainly contribute on ST

 

[NannerPuddin]

He was really bad in coverage. He got some big INTs but as far as actual coverage he was terrible at times. That freshman Georgia TE burned him so many times. TK is too slow to be a DB and not physical enough or big enough to be a LB.

 

[VolBricks]

I trust Pruitt's eye on this one. If anyone knows if he is good enough to play as safety, corner or nickle it is Pruitt. I think TKjr will see the field this year it just may be in a backup role. We can speculate all day as to why he is not starting but we have to trust the coaches on this one.

I will also say this, if TKjr is healthy and everyone is starting ahead of him then our secondary must be much improved from last year.

 

[jakez4ut]

To slow, doesn't fit what they want to do with safeties, injury history.

Would probably be better served if he added some bulk and moved to LB. always thought he might be better suited there.