Tennessee cornerback Bryce Thompson named Freshman All-American

Tennessee’s standout freshman cornerback Bryce Thompson has been named a freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. Thompson joins Patrick Surtain II, Jordan Davis, Cade Mays, Isaiah Wilson and Jaylen Waddle from the SEC.

Thompson was a late addition to Tennessee’s 2018 class, signing with the Vols in May. He was initially committed to South Carolina, but never signed with the Gamecocks. For Jeremy Pruitt, it was a must get at the biggest position of need at the time.

He and fellow signee Alontae Taylor were both moved to the defensive side of the ball, despite tons of offensive experience in high school. As it turns out, both freshmen ended up being two of Tennessee’s top three cornerbacks on the depth chart during the 2018 season.

Thompson, a four-star athlete, recorded three interceptions and was credited with seven passes defensed last year. With Taylor and Thompson having a full year of experience under their belt already, the secondary should be able to take a step forward next year. Adding Tyus Fields and Warren Burrell should add some competitive depth for 2019, which isn’t something Tennessee had last year.