Wickman
Job 19:25
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Sutton enters his senior campaign as the picture of reliability, having started all 38 possible games of his college career. He surpassed former All-American and current Pro Bowler Eric Berry last season to be tied for fourth in Vols' history with 32 career passes defended, just three behind all-time leader Jabari Greer. Sutton has 104 tackles in his career (including 11 for loss) as well as six interceptions (the first he returned for a score) and three forced fumbles.
In large part because opponents elected to ignore his side of the field last season, Sutton's defensive numbers dropped a bit from the flashy production he enjoyed over his first two years in Knoxville. With "just" 28 tackles and six passes broken up (including one interception) last season, Sutton was knocked by some analytics websites for failing to keep up with the production he'd enjoyed in the past, when he averaged 38 tackles and 12.5 pass breakups per year. This included a breakout sophomore campaign in which Sutton recorded 16 pass breakups, the third highest single-season mark in school history.
In reality, Sutton scored as many touchdowns last season as he allowed in coverage, returning punts against Vanderbilt (85 yards) and Kentucky (84) and leading the country with an average 18.7 yards per attempt. It was the second consecutive season in which Sutton was Tennessee's primary punt returner. He averaged 11.3 yards per attempt in 2014, including a 74-yard touchdown against the Commodores.
One of the primary knocks on Sutton is that he lacks ideal size at a shade over 5-11 and 186 pounds with relatively thin limbs. Sutton's body control and awareness help him overcome his frame while in coverage but too he seems content with letting teammates do the dirty work in run support. Sutton is more finesse than force as a tackler, typically wrapping up ball-carriers and dragging them to the ground. He'll occasionally duck his head and lead with his shoulder, however, resulting in getting dragged himself, at times, and some powerful runners breaking his tackles completely.
While scouts would like to see Sutton show a little more fire as a tackler, the light feet, awareness and soft hands necessary to be a force in coverage (and earn a high draft selection) are all there. Further, his leadership and work ethic have been lauded by Tennessee's coaches, including by new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. Last year Sutton asked to switch jersey numbers (swapping No. 23 for No. 7) to honor popular teammate Rashaan Gaulden, who suffered a fractured foot in fall camp and missed the entire season. With Gauden back healthy, Sutton has switched back to No. 23 for the 2016 season.
Top NFL Draft Prospects: Vols' Cameron Sutton arguably top cornerback - CBSSports.com
In large part because opponents elected to ignore his side of the field last season, Sutton's defensive numbers dropped a bit from the flashy production he enjoyed over his first two years in Knoxville. With "just" 28 tackles and six passes broken up (including one interception) last season, Sutton was knocked by some analytics websites for failing to keep up with the production he'd enjoyed in the past, when he averaged 38 tackles and 12.5 pass breakups per year. This included a breakout sophomore campaign in which Sutton recorded 16 pass breakups, the third highest single-season mark in school history.
In reality, Sutton scored as many touchdowns last season as he allowed in coverage, returning punts against Vanderbilt (85 yards) and Kentucky (84) and leading the country with an average 18.7 yards per attempt. It was the second consecutive season in which Sutton was Tennessee's primary punt returner. He averaged 11.3 yards per attempt in 2014, including a 74-yard touchdown against the Commodores.
One of the primary knocks on Sutton is that he lacks ideal size at a shade over 5-11 and 186 pounds with relatively thin limbs. Sutton's body control and awareness help him overcome his frame while in coverage but too he seems content with letting teammates do the dirty work in run support. Sutton is more finesse than force as a tackler, typically wrapping up ball-carriers and dragging them to the ground. He'll occasionally duck his head and lead with his shoulder, however, resulting in getting dragged himself, at times, and some powerful runners breaking his tackles completely.
While scouts would like to see Sutton show a little more fire as a tackler, the light feet, awareness and soft hands necessary to be a force in coverage (and earn a high draft selection) are all there. Further, his leadership and work ethic have been lauded by Tennessee's coaches, including by new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. Last year Sutton asked to switch jersey numbers (swapping No. 23 for No. 7) to honor popular teammate Rashaan Gaulden, who suffered a fractured foot in fall camp and missed the entire season. With Gauden back healthy, Sutton has switched back to No. 23 for the 2016 season.
Top NFL Draft Prospects: Vols' Cameron Sutton arguably top cornerback - CBSSports.com
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