Vols’ Brian Randolph Named SEC Defensive Player Of The Week
By Zach Ragan
Sep 7, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Justin Coleman (27) celebrates scoring a touchdown on an interception against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Brandon Doughty (12) (not pictured) with teammate Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and Tennessee linebacker Dontavis Sapp (41) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been five years and a couple of coaches ago since a Vol was named SEC defensive player of the week.
That streak came to an end on Monday, when Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Brian Randolph was named SEC defensive player of the week, after racking up two interceptions during the Vols’ win over Western Kentucky.
Randolph is the first player since Eric Berry in 2008 to win the award.
The Vols forced seven turnovers in total during Saturday’s win, including two that were returned for touchdowns.
Randolph, who saw his season end early due to an ACL injury in 2012, had 0 career interceptions entering the Vols’ game against Western Kentucky.
The redshirt sophomore will seek to add to that total on Saturday when the Volunteers take on the Oregon Ducks.
Randolph, and the entire Volunteers secondary, will have tall task in front of them though. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota threw only six interceptions last season, and has yet to throw one this year.
The Vols take on Oregon this Saturday at 3:30 pm est
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