Cornerbacks
Bryce Thompson; Junior; 5’11” 185 pounds; Irmo, S.C.
Last year, Bryce Thompson missed the first part of the season due to a suspension. However, the product of Dutch Fork High School in South Carolina still managed to match his production from his Freshman All-American campaign.
Thompson had three interceptions and did not allow a touchdown in coverage. He’s one of Tennessee football’s best players, and this year, with a return to a full season, expectations are for him to become a superstar. He’s definitely the top cornerback here.
Alontae Taylor; Junior; 6’0″ 193 pounds; Manchester, Tenn.
Without Bryce Thompson and before the development of Nigel Warrior, Alontae Taylor appeared to take a slight step back last year. He definitely had a couple of major blown coverages, particularly in the big play against the BYU Cougars that allowed them to send it to overtime.
The in-state product out of Coffee County Central will likely still be penciled in as the starter this year, but he became somewhat of a by-committee player towards the end of last year. As a result, pay attention to what happens with him.
Nickel
Shawn Shamburger; Senior; 5’11” 185 pounds; Mobile, Ala.
A couple of injuries made Shawn Shamburger the full-time nickel last year, and all he became a star. Like Bryce Thompson, he didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage. The product of Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga. has been named by PFF as the Vols best returning player.
Coming out of high school in Georgia despite being from Alabama Shamburger also forced the lowest passer rating of any defensive back guarding slot receivers when those receivers were targeted. Simply put, he’s very productive, and he’s experienced, so he should be a star again.