Derek Barnett’s performance in the Outback Bowl is gaining him some national recognition.
The Tennessee sophomore defensive end, who is tied for fourth in the SEC in sacks this season (10), has been named to the AP’s All-Bowl team for his efforts against Northwestern which included eight tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Barnett, along with offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson and defensive back Evan Berry, were also named to ESPN’s SEC All-Bowl Team.
Pro Football Focus, an outlet that named Barnett an All-American this season as an edge defender, also graded the UT-Northwestern matchup and gave Barnett a +5.5 ranking on the day, the highest of any UT player in the game. Brian Randolph (+4.3), Jalen Hurd (+5.3), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (+3.2) and Alvin Kamara (+3.1) were the other standouts for UT, according to PFF’s film study of the game.
Tennessee recorded four sacks on the day against the Wildcats.
