It’s time to put some respect on Kamal Hadden’s name
Kamal Hadden is probably the most polarizing player on the 2023 Tennessee Vols. It’s no fault of his own, though, at least not really.
Has Hadden been burnt on occasion? Sure. But what corner hasn’t? Many fans were pissed about a certain play during the Florida game where it seemed that Hadden wasn’t exactly giving 100%. None of us know what Hadden was thinking on that play, but did Hadden look like he didn’t care against South Carolina? Absolutely not.
Something did happen before the South Carolina game that bothered us, though. Fans (not a lot, but it was noticeable), booed Hadden during pregame intros. That is inexcusable behavior. I know we are the most passionate fanbase on the planet, but don’t boo your own players, man. Hadden made sure to point out that he noticed the behavior.
Look, is Hadden the next Jalen Ramsey or Sauce Gardner? No. But he’s also not the worst corner in the SEC like some Vol fans pretend. It’s infuriating that he doesn’t turn his head around, but we don’t ever point out the good plays.
According to PFF, Hadden has an 86.0 coverage grade, which is 10th among all corners and 3rd among SEC corners. The veteran corner is allowing a completion percentage of just 38.5%. Hadden has 15 tackles, 6 passes defended, and 2 INTs. Nobody on the Vols other than Hadden has more than 1 interception or more than 3 passes defended.
Hadden is a good corner. He’s infuriating at times, but he’s tasked with going against the best player on some of the best teams in the country. Let’s not be so hard on him, Vol fans.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK