KNOXVILLE — Bryce Thompson enters his junior season at Tennessee in 2020.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back has been a factor for the Vols at cornerback over the last two seasons, totaling six interceptions, 66 tackles, six TFLs, two sacks, 15 pass defections and forced one fumble in 22 games.
Thompson’s ability to attack the ball in open space, along with his decisive instincts and ball-hawking hands are why Tennessee’s defense will benefit even more this season.
Thompson will be a factor as a robber on passing downs in 2020 as the strong safety slides to linebacker, the nickel cornerback moves to free safety, allowing for the free safety to move to strong safety.
Tennessee will benefit this season with added player personnel on roster as freshman cornerback Key Lawrence is expected to play a significant role in the Vols’ rotation.
Lawrence’s ability to come in immediately and contribute affects Thompson, along with Warren Burrell and Alontae Taylor providing experience at cornerback. Added depth at cornerback benefits the Vols’ team and allows Thompson to play as a slot cornerback on passing downs.
Thompson’s presence on passing downs will allow Tennessee to have two bigger cornerbacks playing press coverage on the outside. Tennessee’s press coverage will be complimented by Thompson sitting back and reading the ball and attacking, while the boundary side brings pressure. As the boundary side brings pressure, Thompson can attack the ball in space as a robber.