Tennessee's Barnett Named SEC Defensive Lineman Of Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee freshman defensive end Derek Barnett has been named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. The Nashville native had seven tackles, 4.0 TFLs and 2.0 sacks in the win over Kentucky.

Barnett is the first Tennessee player to be named Defensive Lineman of the Week since Corey Miller earned the award following the finale at Kentucky in 2013.

He is the eighth to earn that award dating to its inception in 2004, when Turk McBride won it.

Tennessee now has an honoree following its second consecutive game. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs was named the Offense Player of the Week following the win at South Carolina.

Here's a rundown of Barnett's big game:

·         Recorded seven tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 4.0 tackles for loss in Tennessee's 50-16 win over Kentucky.

·         Extended his Tennessee freshman record in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (18).

·         Ranks third in the SEC in sacks (9) and tied for 1st in tackles for loss (18).

·         Has multi-sack efforts in three of his last four games (8 total) and last two consecutive.

·         Has 15 tackles for loss in his last six games. 

(E-mail Larry Fleming at larryfleming44@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @larryfleming44)