University of Tennessee Athletics
Barnett Named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week
September 26, 2016 | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Tennessee junior defensive end Derek Barnett has been named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday.
The last time a Vol earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors was Week 12 of the 2014 season when Barnett garnered recognition for a seven-tackle, four-TFL, two-sack performance against Kentucky.
He was also named College Sports Madness SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
Barnett enjoyed his best game of the season with five tackles (three solo), two sacks for six yards, three tackles for loss for eight yards and one pass breakup. He sparked Tennessee's second-half defense, which limited Florida to just one touchdown after halftime. His energy in the third quarter fueled the rest of the defense as the Gators managed just 102 yards in the second half.
Both of Barnett's sacks came at key moments. He recorded the 21st sack of his career, bringing Austin Appleby down for a one-yard sack late in the third quarter on a 3rd-and-10. Barnett made the 22nd sack of his career in the fourth quarter on 3rd-and-6 at the UF 24 to force a punt. He surpassed Parys Haralson (21, 2002-05), John Henderson (20.5, 1998-2001) and James Wilson (20.5, 1989-93) to move to No. 5 on UT's all-time sack list.
He now ranks third among all active FBS players with 22.0 career sacks.
Barnett now also has 39 tackles for loss in his career, moving him past Todd Kelly (36.5, 1989-92) and John Henderson (38.5, 1998-2001) to fifth place on Tennessee's all-time list.
With the Vols up 38-28 in the fourth, Barnett also broke up a pass intended for Antonio Callaway on first down as the UT defense shut down the Gators one more time on their final possession.
The No. 11/11 Vols head to Athens, Ga., to face No. 25/20 Georgia on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET game on CBS.
