Five Vols Who Might Leave Early For NFL
By Zach Ragan
Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) carries the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) chases during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
3. Derek Barnett — Defensive End — Sophomore
Everyone expected Jalen Hurd to dominate as a freshman, but no one expected Derek Barnett to play at such a high level in 2014.
Barnett (also from the midstate area, like Hurd) had an incredible freshman season, setting a record for most sacks by a freshman at Tennessee (10, second on team). Barnett also had 20.5 tackles for loss and 72 total tackles.
Those are great numbers for anyone in the SEC, let alone a true freshman.
Barnett spent most of the season running down quarterbacks and running backs (yes, running backs), greatly improving Tennessee’s edge defense.
As is the case with Jalen Hurd, the Vols are fortunate that they will get at least two more seasons out of Barnett.
If he keeps up this level of play, I’d be very surprised if he played four seasons at Tennessee.