University of Tennessee Athletics
Haynesworth Decides To Enter NFL Draft
January 08, 2002 | Football
Jan. 8, 2002
KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee junior defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth announced today that he plans to forgo his senior season and enter the 2002 NFL Draft.
Haynesworth, a 6-6, 310-pounder from Hartsville, S.C., led the Vols with 38.5 Big Plays, including a team-leading 20 quarterback hurries and 11.5 tackles for loss last season. He recorded 36 total tackles on a Tennessee defense that ranked among the NCAA and SEC leaders in total defense and rushing defense in 2001.
"I made my decision just like I made my decision to come to the University of Tennessee," said Haynesworth in a press conference at UT's Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex. "My family and I carefully gathered information from NFL scouts, met with coaches and talked to many present NFL players. It was based on this information that I made the toughest decision of my life.
"Tennessee has the greatest fans in college football and the best support system. I could not thank Coach Fulmer and Coach Brooks enough for their support for the past few years. They are players' coaches who have been extremely helpful to me during this process."
With Haynesworth decision today, Tennessee will have to replace its entire starting defensive front four from last season. Two-time All-America defensive tackle John Henderson returned for his final campaign in 2001, and senior ends Bernard Jackson and Will Overstreet also completed their eligibility.
The Vols, who finished No. 4 in the final polls last week, open the 2002 campaign against Wyoming Aug. 31 at Nashville in Adelphia Coliseum.
