Tamarion McDonald

HISTORY — From College Profile

CAREER

Instinctive DB who can play safety or cornerback and has played well as the starting STAR … Has been a staple on multiple special teams units prior to this season where he has played a big role as a starter on defense … Came to Knoxville after a stellar high school career in Memphis … Played in 31 games with 13 starts and has three seasons of eligibility remaining, including this season.

2022 - JUNIOR

Has started every game this season at STAR ... Snared eight tackles, including his 50th of the season, and a tackle for loss in the victory at Vanderbilt (11/26) while also breaking up two passes ... Finished with six total tackles (five solo) at South Carolina (11/19) ... Posted four solo tackles while breaking up a pass in the win against Missouri (11/12) ... Made his 10th career start at #3 Georgia (11/5), recovering his first career fumble on the Bulldogs’ opening drive; finished with six tackles in the game ... Notched a QB hurry and a pass breakup to go along with two tackles in the win over #19 Kentucky (10/29) ... Tied for the team lead with four solo tackles in the win over UT Martin (10/22) ... Posted a career-best nine tackles and added a tackle for loss in the win vs. #3 Alabama (10/15) ... Started and logged five tackles and a PBU in the win at #25 LSU (10/8) ... Made one solo tackle and had his first QB hurry of the season in the victory over #20 Florida (9/24) ... Had three tackles and a TFL of 12 yards against Akron (9/17), while also recording a PBU ... Recorded three tackles in win at #17 Pitt (9/10) and logged a TFL on the Panthers’ opening drive ... Started the season opener vs. Ball State (9/1) at STAR and picked off the Cardinals on the first play of the game, setting up UT’s first TD of the year one play later.

2021 - SOPHOMORE

Played in 12 games as a reserve defensive back and special teams contributor, totaling nine tackles, one TFL and one interception on the year … Had a career-high five tackles, all solo, and a PBU in the win at Missouri (10/2) ... Recorded his first-career interception and TFL in win vs. Tennessee Tech (9/18) ... Posted two tackles vs. Pittsburgh (9/11), both coming on special teams ... Saw action in season opener against Bowling Green (9/2), recording one tackle on special teams.

2020 - FRESHMAN

Played in seven games and made one start at safety as a true freshman ... Totaled 11 tackles and one pass breakup on the year ... Underwent shoulder surgery in June 2020, rehabbed and was cleared to practice in October ... Earned first-career start in win at Vanderbilt (12/12), finishing with two tackles and his first-career PBU ... Made one tackle against No. 6 Florida (12/5) and had two tackles at No. 23 Auburn (11/21) ... Tallied two tackles at Arkansas (11/7) and two tackles against No. 2 Alabama (10/24) ... Notched one tackle in his collegiate debut against Kentucky (10/17).

HIGH SCHOOL

Rated as a three-star prospect and the nation’s 38^th-ranked outside linebacker in 247 composite rankings … Starred at Whitehaven High School in Whitehaven, Tennessee, located in the Memphis area … Helped lead Whitehaven to the state semifinals in 2019 and the state title game in 2018 … 2019 Memphis Commercial Appeal Dandy Dozen … 2019 Tennessee Class 6A All-State Team … 2018 Memphis Commercial Appeal All-Metro Defensive First Team selection … Selected to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game … Totaled 90 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown as a junior in 2018 … Integral part of a Whitehaven defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and produced seven shutouts during the 2019 season … High school teammates with current Vol Bryson Eason.

PERSONAL

Full name is Tamarion De’Kel McDonald … Born on March 25, 2002 … Mother is Fern McDonald ... Majoring in communication studies … Recipient of the M Lee Mitchell Athletic Scholarship Endowment … Twitter and Instagram handle is @tjdadonn.

-- 6/24/23

2022

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
2.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
4.0	2.0	50.0	0.0	7.0	0.0	34.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	2.5	5.0	2.0

2021

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
1.0	0.0	9.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	8.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	4.0	4.0	1.0

2020

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	11.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	5.0