Tennessee freshman Todd Kelly Jr. will start at strong safety in Saturday’s game against Missouri, head coach Butch Jones confirmed during his weekly press conference Monday. Kelly will replace redshirt junior Brian Randolph, who was ejected for targeting in the third quarter of last Saturday’s win over Kentucky. The freshman played the remainder of the game in Randolph’s absence.

“I think he did some good things,” Jones said. “He was forced into a challenging situation. TK prepares every week as though he is the starter. He’s very cerebral so I thought he did really good things.”

Kelly has made two starts and appeared in all ten games for the Vols. The former four-star prospect has 23 tackles and two interceptions.

“I think just the high level of consistency,” Jones said on why Kelly has seen less reps on defense. “What Brian [Randolph] and even LaDarrell [McNeil] bring to the table is a high level consistency. Those live game repetitions, those opportunities and it shows. TK is an individual who takes great pride in his performance. I think the repetitions that he got in the bye week really helped him in moving forward in the Kentucky game.”

Randolph is suspended for the first half of Saturday’s game, but will be able to play in the third quarter.

“There is no appeals process,” Jones said. “A couple years ago there was an appeals process. It’s a point of emphasis. It’s unfortunate. Brian wasn’t being malicious. He was playing with great effort running to the football, quarterback slides, he had already left his feet so he was actually going low. We teach them in the quarterback slides and he hits him above the shoulder. But you know, it is the rule. It is a point of contention and a point of emphasis. You will have to sit out for the first half.”