Tennessee Football: 3 instant impact signees from 2020 class

The highest-rated signee in the Volunteers’ 2020 class is Keshawn Lawrence, a four-star safety from nearby Nashville. While he didn’t opt to enroll with the Volunteers early, he’s still going to be looked at to have an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball, especially with Nigeel Warriors moving on.

Tennessee does have Jaylen McCollough returning for his sophomore year at safety so there may not be a completely desperate need for him to start right away, but Lawrence has the potential to be a regular contributor.

Tyus Fields could be looked at to take Warrior’s spot at strong safety, but Lawrence’s 6-2, 202-pound frame would be perfect there and he’s more than ready to show that he’s capable of extended snaps. The four-star safety is ranked the No. 80 overall prospect in the class as well as the sixth-best safety and the state of Tennessee’s top recruit, per 247Sports.

With one of the best passing defenses in the nation a year ago, adding a guy like Lawrence to the mix to play from day one will be crucial if Tennessee wants to continue that upward trend.