Four Vols Among Freshman All-Americans

Tennessee’s team featured a lot of youth this season. And while it created many drawbacks, it also provides ample excitement for the future. It’s tough for freshman to step onto campus and into starting roles, but this year, many freshman did so for the Volunteers and excelled. And with the release of the Freshman All-American Teams, these players have been duly recognized for their efforts.

Freshman linebacker A.J. Johnson’s freshmen campaign in Knoxville didn’t disappoint and now, Johnson, along with guard Marcus Jackson, linebacker Curt Maggitt, and defensive back Brian Randolph have been recognized on the Freshman All-American Teams. Several media outlets release lists, Phil Steel’s list  featured Johnson and Jackson getting first team honors, and Maggitt and Randolph on the third team. Johnson also finds himself on first-team lists on Yahoo Sports, Fox Sports, and Sporting News. Randolph landed on the second team on Yahoo Sports. The last Volunteer freshman to receive  four first-team Freshman All-American honors was defensive back Eric Berry.

Johnson had a breakout year, starting all 12 games, and  finishing with 80 tackles for the Vols, playing weak side linebacker. Johnson’s breakout games came against No.1 LSU (11 tackles) No. 2 Alabama (13 tackles) and No.14 South Carolina (12 tackles) all of those coming in consecutive weeks.

Maggitt started opposite Jackson and added 56 tackles. He played a pivotal roll in the win over Vanderbilt, recording 7 tackles, 2.5 for a loss.

Brian Randolph recorded 55 tackles in 2011, his biggest game coming against Kentucky in which he recorded 12 tackles.  Johnson’s 81 tackles were good for second all-time for a Tennessee freshman. Maggit’s 56 tackles put him at 4th on the list, and Randolph’s 55 were 5th (#1 was Berry with 86 in 2007).

Marcus Jackson fought his way onto the starting roster this season, and made his first start against South Carolina, replacing James Stone at the left guard position. Stone started the season at center, but was replaced by Alex Bullard and moved to guard before being replaced.