By: Eric Cian

Tennessee junior defensive back Bryce Thompson announced his intentions to declare for the NFL Draft Tuesday morning after three years in the program. He made the announcement via personal Instagram account.

“Words can’t describe how honored I am to fulfill my lifelong dream, and I am ready for the challenge,” Thompson said in is the statement.

Jeremy Pruitt added the Irmo, S.C. native late in the 2018 recruiting cycle. Thompson ended up started 10 games as a true freshman and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team by season’s end.

As a sophomore, the cornerback registered three interceptions despite missing the first three games of the season. All three of those picks came in the first half of a win over UAB on November 2 and Thompson finished the year yielding no touchdowns amidst 325 coverage snaps, according to PFF.

As a junior in 2020, Thompson allowed only one touchdown and recorded a pick-six against Vanderbilt in December that sparked the end to the Vols’ six-game losing skid. He reeled in SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors following the game after being named to two Preseason All-SEC teams heading into the season.

Thompson missed a lot of snaps this past fall as he was dealing with nagging hamstring injuries and a torn pectoral. Often, the veteran was limited to only third down packages for the Vols.

“I would like to thank Coach Pruitt and Coach Ansley, the entire coaching staff, the training and equipment staff for giving me the opportunity to display my passions on the field and giving me a place, I can call home,” Thompson said in the statement.

The cornerback finished his Tennessee career with eight interceptions, 100 tackles, two forced fumbles and two sacks.