University of Tennessee Athletics
Big Performances Boost Defensive Effort
October 19, 2014 | Football
By Brian Rice OXFORD, Miss.
UTSports.com
A.J. Johnson's 10-tackle performance put him in Tennessee's exclusive 400-tackle club, only the fourth Vol to reach that mark. Freshman Derek Barnett had a career-high 10 tackles, continuing his stellar play in Southeastern Conference games. 24 of Barnett's 38 tackles this season have come in his three SEC games.
Johnson reached the 400 mark on an assisted tackle in the second quarter. On the same play, Johnson claimed the all-time assisted tackle record for the Vols with 194, passing Andy Spiva, who he continues to chase for the total tackles record.
"Another very solid performance by Derek, and he's been doing that all year," head coach Butch Jones said. "You hope that with the volume of repetitions and the success that he's had, that's going to translate from a leadership standpoint as well. He brings so much to our defense, a true freshman doing what he's doing. He has been very impressive, Derek is mature beyond his years."
Barnett had four tackles for a loss, including two sacks, the second and third of his Tennessee career. Johnson had 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. Both players were active early in a first half that saw Tennessee hold Ole Miss to 37 yards on its first seven possessions.
"Defensively, I thought we started off exceptionally well," Jones said. "We were getting off the field."
Corey Vereen also wreaked havoc up front as Tennessee confused Ole Miss early with a variety of looks on the defensive line. The sophomore finished with with six tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.
"I thought Corey was very, very active, especially early on," Jones said. "Coming off the football and playing like he normally does with a motor. That was great to see because we needed him on defense."
The road does not get any easier for Tennessee with Alabama coming to Neyland Stadium next Saturday. Like Jones, Barnett sees a lot to play for in the Vols future, and he is ready to get back to work to accomplish it.
"You have to keep on pushing through," Barnett said. "It's a process, but it's tough. We still have ballgames to play. I'm still going to approach every game like we're going to win."
