Georgia football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

Georgia football breakout candidate No. 2: Tyrique Stevenson, DB

There’s little doubt that true sophomore Tyrique Stevenson won’t be a starter in the 2020 season, at least at the outside cornerback spots. With Eric Stokes and former 5-star Tyson Campbell there, Stevenson simply has an uphill battle to win one of those jobs. And yet, after making his way onto the field at the end of last season, it’s going to be difficult for Kirby Smart and his staff to keep him on the sidelines.

Stevenson saw time in the team’s STAR role — akin to a traditional nickel defensive back — as a true freshman, getting most of his work over the final month of the season. In doing so, the No. 3 cornerback in the 2019 recruiting class showcased just how special of a talent he is. Despite an overall limited number of snaps, he finished the year with 13 total tackles, one sack and was fourth on the Bulldogs with five passes defended.

The good news for Smart and for Stevenson as he looks to carve out a bigger role is the simple fact that he’s versatile and talented enough to line up at multiple positions. Whether he spells starters on the outside, starts at the STAR or even drops back to play safety, he has already shown the ability to succeed if he’s on the field.

Put simply, Stevenson showed at the end of the 2019 season that he has the capability of being one of the best defensive backs in the nation. Though there will still be some remnants of him waiting his turn, he’ll be on the field and, if last year was any indication, you’ll hear his name called quite often.