BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson was selected as the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week after a record-performance in the Vols 30-7 Homecoming win against UAB on Saturday.
The sophomore picked off three passes to tie a single-game program record as the Vols kept the Blazers scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. All of Thompson’s takeaways came in the first half as he became the ninth Vol to record three interceptions in a game. His first pick of the year came on the game’s first offensive play with Thompson intercepting Blazers’ quarterback Tyler Johnston III and returning it to the UAB 19-yard line to set up a Tennessee field goal.
Thompson is one of five Vols to earn a weekly conference honor this season, joining Trey Smith (Week 7- Co-Offensive Lineman), Brandon Kennedy (Week 9 – Offensive Lineman), Daniel Bituli (Week 9 – Co-Defensive Player) and Jauan Jennings (Week 9 – Co-Offensive Player). The Vols have now had players win defensive player of the week honors in back-to-back weeks, marking the first time that has happened since Jason Hall (Oct. 9) and Parys Haralson (Oct. 16) did it back in 2004.
The Irmo, S.C., native also was named to the PFF College National Team of the Week along with freshman linebacker Henry To’o To’o, who was listed on the second team.
Thompson and To’o To’o were also among the five UT players, including Jaylen McCullough, Darrell Taylor, and Jauan Jennings, to be recognized on the PFF College SEC Team of the Week.
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