Tennessee football 2018 recap: Vols postseason awards

Newcomer of the year: Bryce Thompson

Jeremy Pruitt had to turn to lots of newcomers, particularly freshmen, to navigate his way through the difficult season. But the most pleasant surprise in that regard for Tennessee football was at cornerback, where Alontae Taylor and Bryce Thompson were playing.

Both were four-star athletes who have thrived moving to cornerback. Taylor did a bit better of a job not letting people throw his way. But by avoiding targeting fouls so he could play more, Bryce Thompson was more valuable. And he also made more big plays overall.

Thompson led the team in interceptions on the year with three. He also showed his versatility by picking up four tackles for a loss and an interception. And he broke up seven passes, registered a quarterback hurry and forced a fumbe.

Simply put, Thompson did it all, and his big plays often came in crucial moments. For instance, his interception against the Auburn Tigers sparked the momentum the Vols needed to get in the game. He then had the game-clinching interception against the Charlotte 49ers.

So nobody can deny that he was a crucial player for the Vols and made a ton of big plays. The future is bright with him and Taylor at cornerback, but Thompson is the one who deserves newcomer of the year. He looks like a star in the making for the Vols, and the rest of the SEC had better watch out. Coaching guys like Thompson is Pruitt’s speciality as a former defensive back.