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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 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Evan Berry (29) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Evan Berry (29) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

Even in a year in which he got hurt for the season, Evan Berry still earned recognition as an elite kick returner.

The junior defensive back built on his All-American campaign with 14 returns for 460 yards, including a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

He got hurt down the stretch and wasn’t able to do more, but his numbers were still remarkable. This year, teams were scheming to avoid huge returns by him, and he got hurt, but he still was able to put up numbers more impressive than most kick returners.

As a result, the guy still made the Coaches All-SEC team, albeit as a second-teamer this year.

Had he stayed healthy, he likely could have made first team All-SEC again, and he could possibly be in consideration for All-American honors again.

Unfortunately, All-SEC is about all he could get. And while he has earned it for the Coaches, he should make the AP team as well.

And coming back next year as a senior, the brother of Eric Berry will have another chance to leave a major lasting impression.

He is already amazing for being able to get on this list despite missing most of the second half of the season.

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