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Tennessee Football: 10 Vols Most Deserving of 2016 Postseason Recognition

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is lifted in the air by defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. (24) after throwing the winning touchdown pass on the last play on the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is lifted in the air by defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. (24) after throwing the winning touchdown pass on the last play on the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee football had a tough season, but plenty of individuals had great years. These 10 Volunteers are the most deserving of 2016 postseason recognition.

As officials begin handing out college football postseason awards, there aren’t as many Tennessee football players in the mix as fans might have expected at the beginning of the year.

The Coaches All-SEC team only had three Vols, there are no finalists for official college football awards coming up the next couple of days, and the Vols only have one shot, albeit an outside shot, at an All-American pick.

That’s what happens when you have a season end in such disappointing fashion the way it did for the Vols.

So 8-4 isn’t exactly what Tennessee football fans wanted this year. But even in a very disappointing end to the 2016 season, there are numerous Vols who deserve praise for how they played in 2016.

Yes, guys like Jalen Hurd became a problem for the team. Crucial injuries to key players were other issues.

But many players stepped up and were pleasant surprises for this team, and others met or even exceeded high expectations.

Unfortunately, it was not enough in the long run, but it’s still something to take pride in. And as college football players across the country begin to receive recognition for their performance, plenty of Vols deserve consideration for recognition as well.

After all, lots of them have carried a great attitude with them all year. And that came no matter how rough things got.

So we need to acknowledge them.

Here are the 10 Tennessee football players most deserving of postseason recognition.

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