University of Tennessee Athletics
Barnett Named CBS Sports All-American
December 14, 2016 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee junior defensive end Derek Barnett has been named to the CBS Sports 2016 College Football All-America First Team, as announced by CBS Sports on Tuesday.
Barnett's First Team honors marks the second-straight year that the Vols have had a CBS Sports All-American. Evan Berry earned Second Team honors in 2015 as a kick returner. Barnett is the first UT position player to earn CBS Sports All-America accolades since Antonio Richardson was a Third Team selection in 2013.
The five organizations that are recognized historically for All-America honors are Sporting News, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America and the American Football Coaches Association.
On Dec. 12, Barnett earned 2016 AP All-American First Team honors and 2016 FWAA All-America Second Team honors. He was named to the 2016 Walter Camp All-America First Team on Dec. 8 and he received 2016 Sporting News Second Team All-American honors on Dec. 7.
Barnett has also earned 2016 First Team All-America honors by USA TODAY Sports, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Focus and College Sports Madness.
Barnett is also a 2016 First Team All-Southeastern Conference Coaches selection and a 2016 Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference First Team pick.
Barnett is a Top 20 candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award. He is enjoying the best season of his career and has secured his spot in history as one of the greatest defensive ends in Tennessee, SEC and NCAA football history.
On Nov. 26, Barnett recorded the 32nd sack of his career, tying the late great Reggie White for the most sacks in Tennessee history. On the season, he amassed 50 tackles, a career-high 12.0 sacks, 18.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups, one interception and 12 quarterback hurries. His 12.0 sacks are tied for the sixth-most in the nation and his 18.0 tackles for loss ranks 15th nationally. Barnett's 32.0 career sacks are the second-most of all active NCAA FBS players and his 51.0 career tackles for loss are tied for the most.
