Oct 11, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Vols defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes in for the sack on Chattanooga Mocs quarterback Jacob Huesman (14) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers brought in several heralded recruits in the 2014 recruiting class, and several of those freshmen have contributed in a big way for the Vols this season. Now two of those players have been recognized nationally for their performances.
Defensive end Derek Barnett and offensive guard Jashon Robertson were named to the NCAA’s Freshman All-American team on Monday, joining five other SEC freshmen on the list.
Robertson started all 12 regular season games at right guard for the Vols, and he was the only offensive lineman to start every game at the same position for Tennessee this season. He was a 3-star prospect out of Nashville, and he began as a defensive tackle at the beginning of fall camp. Head coach Butch Jones and his staff decided to move him to the offensive line due to depth concerns, and the move paid off this season.
Derek Barnett has had one of the best freshmen seasons in recent Tennessee history, setting several freshman records for the Vols this year. Barnett has recorded 20.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks, both Tennessee freshman records. His 20.5 TFLs are 4th best in the NCAA, and his 10 sacks rank 4th in the SEC and 16th nationally. He twice recorded 3 sacks in a conference game this year, once against Ole Miss and once against South Carolina.
Barnett and Robertson highlight a stellar freshman class for the Vols that is made up of other contributors like Jalen Hurd, Todd Kelly Jr., Josh Malone, and Aaron Medley. As long as neither of these players sustains significant injuries, both should continue to make names for themselves in the years to come.