Hometown: Irmo, S.C.
There was no debate about this one. If Alontae Taylor made the list, Bryce Thompson would certainly make the list. He brings the most star potential for Tennessee football and could end up being their best defender.
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Thompson was the only junior for UT to earn preseason All-SEC, as he made it on the Coaches’ third team. With six interceptions through two years and Freshman All-American honors back in 2018, it makes sense why people would have a lot of faith in him. The guy is a rising star and, on paper, is one of UT’s top two productive players along with senior nickel Shawn Shamburger.
Last year, Thompson didn’t allow one touchdown in coverage. He repeated his 2018 effort of three interceptions, although they all came in one game, against the UAB Blazers. With that, he showed he could be a major playmaker in one game, but he was also less consistent last year, something he’ll want to work on for this season.
That was probably due to the fact that he missed the early part of the year due to an off-the-field issue. If there is any concern about Thompson, it revolves around such issues. Provided he can remain on the field and with the team, though, he should burst onto the scene, and he may do better than third team All-SEC.
More continuity with another year working under Derrick Ansley should also help Thompson. However, like Taylor and Trevon Flowers, he has to help Tennessee football also offset the loss of Nigel Warrior. All of these guys will be tested without Warrior backing them up, and Thompson could help by proving he can shut down an entire side of the field. This year is his chance.