All for Tennessee
Fansided

Projecting Tennessee football’s 2020 depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 24
Next
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images /

Cornerback

1. Bryce Thompson; Junior

There’s no debate here. Bryce Thompson had an off-the-field issue that kept him sidelined early in the season. However, he still matched his three interceptions from his Freshman All-American season, this time getting all of them in one game against the UAB Blazers.

Heading into his junior campaign, Thompson is one of Tennessee football’s best players. The 5’11” 185-pound product of South Carolina will remain the top lockdown corner, and after not allowing a single touchdown last year on 325 snaps, expectations for him are through the roof. He could potentially become an All-American if he matches what he’s done recently.

2. Alontae Taylor; Junior

Without Thompson starting opposite him last year, Alontae Taylor struggled early. That leaves this No. 2 cornerback spot up for grabs if the 6’0″ 193-pound native of Manchester, Tenn. doesn’t develop. However, for now, he’s locked into the No. 2 starting cornerback role.

Taylor did have an interception and three pass deflections. Recruited as an athlete, he has proven he can be great here. If Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley do their standard 3-4, though, he’ll likely be the top cornerback off the bench. We’ll get to why that is on the next slide.

3. Warren Burrell; Sophomore

Last year, Thompson’s early suspension thrust Burrell into a starting role at cornerback. He wasn’t ready, but he does have experience now. As a result, at 6’0″ 176 pounds, he’ll likely emerge as a solid No. 3 cornerback for the Vols in 2020. Once again, he’s not going to be the starter, but he’ll see some significant playing time.

Home/Vols Football