University of Tennessee Athletics
Johnson Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week
September 28, 2020 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee edge rusher Deandre Johnson picked up the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after the Vols' Week 1, 31-27 win at South Carolina, the conference announced Monday.
As the Vols picked up their seventh consecutive win that dates back to last season, Johnson's performance spearheaded a UT defense that staved off the pursuant Gamecocks that managed to knot the score on two occasions, before UT ultimately pulled away.
The Miami, Fla., native recorded a game-high 2.5 sacks, tying a career high, 2.5 tackles for loss, a career-best six tackles and forced a fumble as the Vols earned their first win in Columbia, S.C., since 2014. The 2.5 sacks led all SEC players in Week 1 and were the most by a Vol since Darrell Taylor had four against Kentucky on Nov. 10, 2018. Johnson's forced fumble in the second quarter stalled a Gamecocks drive, while two of his sacks came on third down, including a critical one in the fourth quarter.
The recognition marks Johnson's first collegiate honor and the 12th occasion a Vol has earned the distinction. The senior has appeared in 32 games for the Orange & White, making four starts.
The Vols (1-0) head into their 2020 home opener on Saturday at noon ET with a matchup against Missouri. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and tickets remain available at AllVols.com.
As the Vols picked up their seventh consecutive win that dates back to last season, Johnson's performance spearheaded a UT defense that staved off the pursuant Gamecocks that managed to knot the score on two occasions, before UT ultimately pulled away.
The Miami, Fla., native recorded a game-high 2.5 sacks, tying a career high, 2.5 tackles for loss, a career-best six tackles and forced a fumble as the Vols earned their first win in Columbia, S.C., since 2014. The 2.5 sacks led all SEC players in Week 1 and were the most by a Vol since Darrell Taylor had four against Kentucky on Nov. 10, 2018. Johnson's forced fumble in the second quarter stalled a Gamecocks drive, while two of his sacks came on third down, including a critical one in the fourth quarter.
The recognition marks Johnson's first collegiate honor and the 12th occasion a Vol has earned the distinction. The senior has appeared in 32 games for the Orange & White, making four starts.
The Vols (1-0) head into their 2020 home opener on Saturday at noon ET with a matchup against Missouri. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and tickets remain available at AllVols.com.
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