Tennessee football: 10 Vols freshmen most likely to play early in 2018

We continue with our defensive backs. Bryce Thompson was a four-star recruit for Tennessee football, and he makes this list due to simple probabilities. The cornerback positions are wide open this year for the Vols with the departures of Rashaan Gaulden, Emmanuel Moseley, Justin Martin and Shaq Wiggins.

That gives everybody at the position a chance to see the field or just make it into the rotation. As a true freshman, Thompson may have the best chance of anybody with his experience to see the field in that role.

Thompson was a four-star member of the Vols’ 2018 recruiting class. He is a natural athlete, and his feel for the game alone gives him a chance to see action. Even if he’s not a starting cornerback, he could definitely make it into the rotation. In fact, of the true freshmen meant to play cornerback, it’s hard to find a guy who will fit in better than Thompson.

As a result, he’s another freshmen DB on this list who figures to play early. At 5’11” 180 pounds, he may need to get more physical before he can be an everyday defensive back. But he probably has enough already to see some action and make a few plays.

So watch out for what Thompson does this year. It’ll be a surprise if he never sets foot on the field for the Vols. Heck, maybe he’s more prepared for the 3-4 transition than other guys. That’ll even increase his chances to see the field.