Jim Knowles explains how Tennessee will replace Edrees Farooq
A big loss. What’s next?
Tennessee's defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, has revealed that the team will be without one of their starting safeties, Edrees Farooq, for the 2026 season due to a season-ending knee injury. Farooq was having an outstanding offseason and was seen as a major asset for Knowles' new defensive scheme. "We will definitely miss Edrees," Knowles said, acknowledging the impact of his loss.
Despite the setback, Knowles has been focusing on strengthening Tennessee's secondary this offseason, particularly at the safety position. With TJ Metcalf and Dejaun Lane slotting into the starting roles, and other players like Qua Moss, DJ Burks, Sidney Walton, and Dylan Lewis prepared to rotate and cover multiple responsibilities, Knowles believes the team is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Tennessee will open their 2026 season against Furman on Saturday, with the new defensive setup ready to take the field.
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