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Five strongest outside states for Tennessee football in 2020

By Caleb Calhoun

ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers discusses a play with Bryce Thompson #20 during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 29, 2018 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers discusses a play with Bryce Thompson #20 during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 29, 2018 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images /

5. North Carolina: 5 players (2 walk-ons)

Key names: Quavaris Crouch, Matthew Butler

This was actually a tough one. It came down to North Carolina and California. Henry To’o To’o stands out above anybody from North Carolina this year, as he figures to become the key linebacker for Tennessee football this year. However, there are more Vols expected to contribute from North Carolina this year.

The other two players from California are JT Shrout, likely to remain a backup quarterback all year, and Jordan Allen, who will at best be the No. 3 tight end. West Virginia could also compete with more overall contributors, as Darnell Wright and Riley Locklear are certain to be in the offensive line rotation this year. But they are the only two players from the state.

There are five from the state of North Carolina. Although To’o To’o should be the leader of the UT linebackers, Quavaris Crouch or Charlotte could become a starter on the inside as well as a sophomore. He’ll definitely be a rotational player, and Jeremy Pruitt and Jim Chaney are likely to use him again on goal-line plays. He did have two touchdowns last year.

Then there’s rising sophomore Tyus Fields of Cornelius, N.C., likely to see more action this year in a thinner secondary. Adding to all of that, rising senior Matthew Butler of Raleigh, N.C. is going to be the main defensive end. So North Carolina has more sure rotational players than California or West Virginia and more players overall. Pruitt is re-establishing a pipeline there, which is a huge deal.

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