Vols Football: 5 Most Important Returning Players in 2015

Oct 25, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) attempts the sack on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims (6) during the second half game at Neyland Stadium. Alabama won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

2. Derek Barnett, Defensive End

Players like Hurd, Josh Malone, Todd Kelly Jr., and Dillon Bates may have had more hype as incoming freshmen, but it was a rather unheralded 4-star defensive end that stole the show for the Vols in 2014.

Derek Barnett had the best freshman season as a defensive lineman in Tennessee history, and that’s no hyperbole. He set the freshman record for most sacks (10) and most tackles for a loss (20.5) in Vols history, and he twice recorded 3 sacks in a game, also a freshman record for the Vols.

His 72 tackles also ranks third in Tennessee freshman history, behind only A.J. Johnson (80 in 2011) and Eric Berry (86 in 2007). Any time a defensive end records that many tackles, it’s a sign he’s all over the field and disrupting offenses.

Barnett might have had the most successful freshman defensive campaign in Tennessee history, which sets the bar extremely high for his sophomore season. He may have surprised teams in 2014, but offense will take note in 2015.

Unfortunately for opposing offenses, the Vols will be stacked along the defensive line in 2015 thanks to a recruiting class that pulled in two 5-stars (defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie and defensive end Kyle Philips) and several more 4-stars along the line. Offensive lines won’t be able to double-team Barnett without leaving players like Maggitt, McKenzie, Shy Tuttle, and others one-on-one.

Barnett had a breakout freshman season in 2014, and unless he sustains an injury, he is poised for yet another phenomenal season in 2015.