Tennessee Stat Book
The SEC might have set an NCAA record Saturday night for the earliest voting deadline.
If you voted on the SEC championship game MVP award, you were required to turn in your ballot by the 8-minute mark of the fourth quarter. A bit early, don't you think?
What's next? Halftime?
Usually, voters for such awards have until five minutes are left in the game. Even that's too early in a game that's undecided.
So with eight minutes to go, I voted Tennessee freshman safety Eric Berry as the game's MVP. Granted, LSU had just taken a one-point lead. But I still had the misguided notion UT would win the game. And even if I were wrong, I could justify picking the MVP from the losing team.
It's questionable whether UT would have been within striking distance of LSU without Berry. He had an interception, a fumble recovery and a crucial fourth-down tackle in UT's 21-14 loss.
LSU might have one of the nation's best defenses. But none of its defenders made more big plays in the game than Berry.
Hopefully, voters who select theAll-SEC team were paying attention. When the media and coaches teams are announced in the next couple of days, Berry should be on both of them.
A few weeks ago, I regarded Berry as a second-team, All-SEC pick. He changed my mind by the way he finished the season.
As a true freshman in the best conference in the country, he should be first-team, All-SEC.
Sure, he got beat for touchdowns during the course of a season, which he began as a cornerback before switching to strong safety. But name a defensive back who didn't get beat.
Only four SEC players have more interceptions than Berry, who had four. Only eight have more solo tackles than Berry's 55.
And he's playing even better than his total stats indicate.
In the last four games, Berry has 32 total tackles, three interceptions, a fumble recovery and two passes broken up. He had 14 tackles against Kentucky and two interception returns for a total of 98 yards against Arkansas.
That's not just a great month. That's a preview of what UT fans have to look forward to the next two years. No one should expect him to stick around for his senior season.
Based on what he has shown as a freshman, he won't need more than three seasons to be NFL-ready.
Since I began following the Vols on a regular basis in 1987, they have had nine defensive backs make first-team All-SEC. My favorite of the bunch was cornerback Terry McDaniel, who was a senior in 1987. He could cover and tackle exceptionally, which explains why the Raiders made him a first-round draft pick (ninth overall) in 1988.
McDaniel made the Raiders' scouts look brilliant. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in five of his nine seasons (all with the Raiders) and had 35 career interceptions and six touchdowns.
Berry has that kind of potential as a safety. He's fast, hits like a linebacker, and seemingly has a built-in radar for the ball.
And just as significant for UT, he's only a freshman.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 41
CoverOrange writes:
Geoff, I missed something, Robert who?
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Eric Berry is special. He can hit, cover and, more importantly, tackle. His stats really are good. And, my goodness, the kid plays with heart.
If we don't get a decent D-line, we won't have to worry about him being around for 3 seasons because he'll get injured trying to cover up for their mistakes. When a safety is nearly leading his team in tackles over the past four games, that's not a sign of a good D.
Eric, I hope we can find some guys who'll take the pressure off of you.
calivol writes:
When did LSU ever have a one-point lead?
dvols writes:
TWO WORDS. ERIC BERRY
Huntingdonvol writes:
Terry Mc was all american!ERIC IS SPECIAL!!!!BUT TIM PRIEST WILL NEVER BE FORGOTEN!!!ALSO A DB I THINK LAST NAME WAS WHITE WAS SEC LEADING PASS INTER. WITH 17 IN ONE YEAR!
FWBVol writes:
Huntingdonvol, whoa there. You are probably thinking of Chris White who was a one-year wonder as a senior in 1985 and led the SEC with 9 interceptions to earn All-SEC honors as well as a nod on the Scripps AA team. Tim Priest still holds the Vol career record with 18 interceptions, and tha was when freshmen weren't eligible. Bobby Majors has the single season record with 10 INTs.
I worked in Sports Information at UT when T Mac was a senior. There is no doubt that Terry McDaniel was a great defensive back, but he was recruited first as a wide receiver. He only had average hands and as is often the case, was moved to D-back. The rest in UT history.
PumpUptheVOLume writes:
I know first hand how special Eric is as a "football player". I watched him play high school ball here in Georgia and he was always the best player on the field. Sometimes that greatness is halted when you move to the college ranks, but Berry obviously has something inside of him that won't let him be out done on the grid iron. Also amazing..he was All State as a QB although listed as an "athlete".
For a young man to be asked to play QB..let's you know football intelligence isn't one of his weak points. But even better than that....... Playing in the SEC for the VOLS as a true freshman ON DEFENSE and to be such a highlight.. making everyone wonder if he's going to make the next play we need to change momentum is enough to make you say ERIC BERRY .... GO VOLS !!!!!!!!! Oh yeah ... where can I get a #14 jersey? Can't find 'em in GA.
inquiry writes:
Agree with this assessment.. Go Vols and go Eric Berry
Volker writes:
SEC opposition needs to be dreading getting "Berry'd" for the next three years. With a healthy Ben Martin and if Mayo comes back next year, it will be hell to pay for opp. off.
I'm glad you wrote this article. I am for Berry to win the Heisman. He is the most exciting defensive back that I remember the Vols having.
rccheek#205272 writes:
Adams, I disagree with most of the stuff you write but this is an excellent article. Berry is the "real deal"
VolsorCat writes:
I would like to see him get a chance on offense. He has the moves to make people miss on interceptions. If nothing else, he might be a good decoy in certain situations. He could be our Woodson.
Spuchy writes:
Eric Berry is awesome. He'll pad his numbers next year until the opposition clues in to his amazing ability!
Chainsaw writes:
Mr. Berry: work hard, study hard, and stay out of trouble. Your future is in front of you and the mark you make on this program might just make you a legend among UT fans. Don't take it for granted!
jlange#632002 writes:
Already the best UT defensive back since Dale Carter.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
Oh yes...Bobby Majors and his 10......1970 was the year....Our Team had 36 inceptions for the year and 8 against Bama......what a game, we beat Bama 24-0.........I loved it.........out only lost that year was to Auburn.....
TommyJack writes:
and not a THUG like Dale Carter.
DennisVols writes:
Living in Atlanta I have seen Berry on the sports page cover many times. When he selected UT over GA there was a lot of very disappointed folks at the dog pound.
Mark it down this young man is going to win some big games for UT during his career. I know it is a team sport but this guy is a difference maker.
Eric will be one of the ones in the same sentence with Henderson, Wilson, Wade and McDaniel.
ccantrell#227456 writes:
You stated that LSU had just taken a "ONE" point lead. I believe you mean TN had jsut taken a "ONE" point lead. LSU never led by just "ONE" point. Just correcting the record.
twin942 writes:
Does anyone know if Demetrice Morley is going to stick to his word and return to UT? Berry and Morley in the secondary would be fantastic.
GoVol writes:
If you recall Berry didn't really 'start' the first two games. He was put in for the nickel packages. Just goes to show you how much our coaching staff really knows. They had to have the very best freshman DB in the entire country in order to give him a shot. And without the injuries we had in the secondary, who knows how much the coaches would have had Berry on the field?
My point - our coaching staff sucks!
Great Job Eric Berry and I look forward to seeing you continue to excel as a VOL!!!
Ralph_Crampton writes:
LOOK FOR BERRY TO TO INSIST THAT HIS FELLOW VOLS PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE BOWL GAME..THE TEAM NEEDS THIS WIN...THE COACHES NEED THIS WIN. WE HAVE BEEN OUTWORKED AND NOT PREPARED PROPERLY FOR BOWL GAME PLAY IN RECENT YEARS..WE HAVE TO WIN THIS ONE!
CoverOrange writes:
ccantrell, you are correct LSU never had a one point lead. To further analysis of JA's faulty memory, UT took a one point lead the last time in the mid-third quarter. Meaning some 15 minutes of game time had passed when JA voted Berry MVP. Wasn't it about 8 minutes left in the fourth when Ainge threw the interception to Zenon? JA was probably on his 5th martini by then.
Alphafemale writes:
I am very excited to see the turn around of this D (especially Berry and Rico McCoy). They are very exciting to watch.
I just hope we can build the kind of offense to go with it.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
Not a single negative post on this article, Now that is what I'm talking about Vol fans.
We do have the making of one of the fastest and most aggresive defenses we have had in a while.
GO VOLS!!!!
CHIEF WORK YOUR MAGIC
TXVOLSFAN
TommyJack writes:
terrible article
CoverOrange writes:
That makes two negative posts. Both by TomJack.
TommyJack writes:
WD40: I'm here for you man
invisiblekid writes:
We need some impact players the caliber of Berry in the front four next year for this team to really excel. Hopefully, some of the guys like Martin, Brimfield, Walker, and Langley can step into those roles.
Berry obviously has all the physical talent needed to be a great player but he has also displayed the smarts to elevate his game to another level. He reminds me of Jason Allen in that regard along with the sure tackling that Allen displayed. Berry has to be one of the brightest spots on the team this year.
TommyJack writes:
kid: I positively agree! He's a winner.
VolSwaff writes:
Eric Berry is whithout a doubt the best raw DB that has ever put on the orange, like it or not. He came in at 18 years old and stepped in as a big time prescence in a big time confrence. He hits like Thomas Davis and has the best feel for were the ball is going to be on the feild.
invisiblekid writes:
TJ, glad to see the positive comment quota was met for the day. Slovog approves so no "loser/hater" tag for you today. Now you can rest easy tonight bro.
TommyJack writes:
Kid: thnx. I have another one, but I'll save it for tomorrow :)
Colliervol writes:
One of the best DB prospects I've seen in awhile. Seems like the whole defense feeds off him and Mayo when it comes to hitting. And Sat. night was some of the hardest hitting I've seen out of UT's defense in awhile. And I think the LSU players would confirm that. There were plenty of them leaving the field with a limp. Hopefully this will carry over to next fall.
murrayvol writes:
Berry is the kind of tackler that drives cameramen nuts. When he arrives, the ball carrier vacates the shot immediately....even in slomo. I'm glad he's a Vol.
gohawks1 writes:
John Adams said, "But none of its (LSU's) defenders made more big plays in the game than Berry. Hopefully, voters who select theAll-SEC team were paying attention."
They weren't.
GreeneVol writes:
Morley could be coming back? That would be a big plus for the defense...
Greg18 writes:
Morley and Berry in the defensive backfield would be awesome. What is the word on Morley?
He was so impressive and a big hitter like Berry.
abrown#232236 writes:
John -- good topic, but I woner how this stuff gets past the editor. Tennesse had a one point lead. LSU had a one score lead. I hope that you meant "one sccore Lead," as a mistaken choice of wording is much better than having not actually understood the flow of this game.
invisiblekid writes:
Greg18, last I heard Morley was enrolled at THE Pellisippi State down the parkway working on getting his grades in order.
bigorange000 writes:
wiffingham to start safety? he is the inspector cleusou of db's. is he a track guy or what? he sure isnt a football player
pdhuff#552644 writes:
What are the chances we can coach Berry down? Just joshin', he is the defense with Mayo. 3 or 4 more like him and we wouldn't be 74th.
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