Five strongest outside states for Tennessee football in 2020

3. Alabama: 9 players (4 newcomers, 3 walk-ons)

Key names: Brandon Kennedy, Shawn Shamburger

Jeremy Pruitt has had a focus on his home state for a while, and it could really help out Tennessee football this year. In terms of returning production, Alabama is probably closer to No. 5 on this list. However, the amount of talent that Pruitt added this offseason can’t be ignored, and that’s why this state makes the list.

Wetumpka, Ala. native Brandon Kennedy, who transferred from the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2018, is back for a sixth year of eligibility. He will be the starting center, which is a huge deal. Shawn Shamburger out of Mobile, Ala. will start at nickel for his senior year, and Pro-Football Focus has him as the best returning player on the Vols.

Those two alone put Alabama in the running, as no state behind it has two more crucial returners combined. But then raw numbers count, and the Vols have that now as well. Most notably, graduate transfer senior Velus Jones Jr. from the USC Trojans is rejoining Tee Martin. The Saraland, Ala. native could be a slot receiver, but he’ll almost certainly be a return specialist.

That makes three clear contributors. Finally, the Vols added three new recruits in offensive lineman James Robinson of Montgomery, Ala., edge rusher Reginald Perry of Fairfield, Ala. and athlete Dee Beckwith, likely to play receiver, of Florence, Ala. Beckwith is the most likely of those guys to play, but altogether, this makes Alabama a loaded state for UT.