If there was any noticeable improvement throughout the 2018 season, it was the play of Tennessee’s young secondary, especially among the cornerback group.
One of those key contributors was Bryce Thompson, a 4-star recruit who found himself on the field as early as the first game of the year. The end result was a team-high three interceptions, seven pass break-ups, and 34 combined tackles. Pro Football Focus placed him on the SEC defensive team of the week three times and graded him as the highest-rated true freshman cornerback among those who played at least 190 snaps.