Aside from Peyton Manning, there probably isn’t a former Vol more universally embraced by the fan base than Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who recently made a return to football after winning a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

So it makes sense that the Tennessee faithful are excited to see what the former All-American and SEC defensive player of the year’s younger twin brothers have to offer.

Both Evan and Elliott Berry debuted with the Vols in 2014, making  limited contributions on the defensive side of the ball as true freshman.

Even though there isn’t a clear path to playing time, Evan, who plays safety like his older brother, may see an opportunity to shine for the Vols in 2015 after drawing high praise from Tennessee coach Butch Jones for his performance during the spring.

Seemingly buried behind a pair of senior starters at the safety position (Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil), Berry will have to contend with fellow talented sophomore Todd Kelly Jr. for supplemental reps behind the two veterans.

And with news breaking on Friday morning that projected starting nickelback Rashaan Gaulden has a broken bone in his foot and is expected to miss at least a month of action, there is suddenly an opening for playing time at an important spot in the Vols secondary.

Both Kelly and Berry should be serious contenders to start in Gaulden’s place, and the loser of the battle may still be a winner by default with the opportunity to become the top reserve option at safety.

According to Knoxville News-Sentinel’s Dustin Dopirak, Berry has worn a green non-contact jersey at practice in recent days, indicating he may have a minor injury of his own.

Regardless of the outcome in the battle for playing time in the secondary, Berry should earn plenty of opportunities to be a contributor on special teams.

Berry’s 29.5 yards per return on kickoffs last season was good for second in the SEC last season. His top performances in 2014 included four returns for 121 yards against Missouri, and a 68-yard return against Chattanooga.

When he’s healthy, Berry has been a standout in practices. It shouldn’t be long before he makes it onto the field in a more prominent role, as he’s too talented to be limited to returning kicks.