Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; A general view of the Tennessee Volunteers logo on the field prior to the game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Missouri defeated Tennessee 51-48 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee suspended its defensive backs coach Willie Martinez for the season opener against Bowling Green after an alleged secondary NCAA recruiting violation.
The school issued the following statement on the decision to suspend Martinez:
With Martinez missed the game against Bowling Green. Defensive quality control coach Stephen Smith was assigned Martinez's coaching duties for the opener.
The Volunteers' defensive backfield has already lost two projected starters - senior safety LaDarrell McNeil and sophomore corner Rashaan Gaulden - to season-ending injuries in fall camp and face a Bowling Green offense returning 10 offensive starters from 2014. Now without their position coach out for the game, how the Vols' secondary plays could be something to watch.
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