Tennessee football: 10 players Vols can’t afford to lose in 2020

Hometown: Irmo, S.C.

Speaking of players who were out at the beginning of last year when Tennessee football struggled to an 0-2 record, Bryce Thompson had an off-the-field issue early on. Coming off his Freshman All-American campaign, that was a real shocker for the secondary, and it showed with a blown coverage that cost them against the BYU Cougars.

If Daniel Bituli and Thompson both played early, there’s no doubt that the Vols would have started 2-0 and finished with at least a 9-4 and maybe 10-3 record, depending on their bowl game. Given that proof, there’s no doubt that the Vols need Thompson, by far their best cornerback and a guy with All-American potential, to be able to play the season.

The 5’11” 190-pound graduate of Dutch Fork High School in South Carolina has enjoyed starting alongside Alontae Taylor for two years, but he’s been the star of the two. In each of his first two years, he had three interceptions, although all three came in one game last year, and he didn’t allow a touchdown in 2019. This year, he’s even more necessary because of what Rocky Top lost.

Nigel Warrior’s departure at safety leaves a major void. Jaylen McCollough, Theo Jackson and Trevon Flowers can help, but what’s more important is for Thompson to be more of a lockdown cornerback. Without him doing that, the rest of the secondary could struggle in a big way. His talent, evidence of play without him and the departures all make him crucial.