Several Tennessee players have been getting their fair share of offseason SEC recognition, but that went to a new level on Wednesday when five were honored as preseason All-Americans by Athlon Sports.
While linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and running back Jalen Hurd were a bit down the line, earning third and fourth-team recognition, respectively, the Vols had three on the first team in defensive end Derek Barnett, kick returner Evan Berry and punt returner Cam Sutton.
Only Alabama (four) had more players selected to the first team. Tennessee and Florida State each had three selections. Tennessee’s five total selections tied Michigan for fifth in the country.
The SEC led all conferences in overall selections (32) and players on the first team (11).
As we regularly mention, offseason honors and rankings don’t do a ton for you come Saturdays in the fall, but they continue to show that UT has the talent to compete with just about anybody in the nation in 2016.
