University of Tennessee Athletics
Freshman All-SEC: Barnett, Kelly, Robertson
December 11, 2014 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Three Tennessee Volunteers have been named to the 2014 Freshman All-SEC Team: defensive end Derek Barnett, defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. and offensive lineman Jashon Robertson were honored by the league's coaches.
With three honorees, Tennessee tied for the most individuals on the team. The Vols have their most members of the team since 2011, when they led the SEC with four members (Marcus Jackson, A.J. Johnson, Curt Maggitt and Brian Randolph).
Barnett's honors continue to roll in. Earlier this week, he was named to the All-SEC Second Team by both the Associated Press and league coaches. Barnett led all freshmen in the SEC with 20.5 TFLs, which ranks fourth nationally among all players. He also posted 10.0 sacks, second in the SEC among freshmen and tied for 13th nationally among all players. Barnett set Tennessee records for most TFLs and sacks by a freshman, more than doubling both records. Barnett also led all true freshmen in the SEC in tackles with 69, the third-most by a Tennessee true freshmen in history. Barnett had 18.0 TFLs in SEC games, the most of any player in the league.
Kelly Jr. posted three interceptions in his debut season with the Vols, the most by a true freshman since Eric Berry had five in 2007. Kelly Jr. played in all 12 games as a true freshman with three starts, making 30 tackles. He had his three interceptions in SEC competition against Vanderbilt, Florida and Georgia. He posted a season-best six tackles in a start vs. Missouri and also had a fumble recovery in his college debut vs. Utah State.
Robertson started all 12 games as a true freshman at right guard, moving to the offensive line early in training camp after starting on the defensive line. Robertson is the only member of the Vols to start all 12 games on the line at the same position. He became the first Tennessee player since current Miami Dolphin Ja'Wuan James to start on offensive line in first college game when he did so vs. Utah State. Robertson became fourth true frosh to start opener on offensive line in Tennessee history joining Bill Mayo (1981), Michael Munoz (2000), James (2010).
