Tennessee football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

Could this be the year for Kivon Bennett with the Vols? 2020 will be his redshirt junior season, as Bennett used his redshirt back in 2018 after appearing in only four games. Bennett strangely has both legacy and opportunity in his corner this season. He is the son of Alabama Crimson Tide legend Cornelius Bennett, having the tall task of replacing Darrell Taylor in Rocky Top. Can he do it?

Playing for the rival school of his Hall of Very Good father’s alma mater was a bold choice, but keep in mind Bennett was only a former three-star recruit out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. He’s earned every opportunity he’s had up to this point with the Tennessee program. With the Vols needing a pass-rushing specialist, look for Bennett to replace Taylor.

Bennett played in 10 games last year for the Vols, recording 27 total tackles, six for a loss of yardage and two going for sacks. Though this isn’t on par with the playmaking abilities of his Alabama and Buffalo Bills legendary father, Bennett has two years left to be the star player he chooses to be for the Vols. Look for Jeremy Pruitt to put Bennett in ideal opportunities to succeed.

Tennessee was a young team last season, but one that came along as the season progressed. This is what typically happens when a young team gets more playing time and a young head coach figures out how to best do his job on the fly. Bennett doesn’t have to be Taylor or his father for that matter to be successful at Tennessee. He just needs to build on what he did last year.