NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Tennessee defensive back Eric Berry is among 42 of the nation’s top collegiate defensive players who have been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy Watch List, it was announced Friday.
Berry, a 5-11, 195-pound sophomore from Fairburn, Ga., led SEC freshmen in tackles last season with 86 and added a team-high five interceptions for 222 return yards. That return total was a school record and the second highest figure in SEC history.
There are seven repeat nominees for the award, including James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, a finalist last year. The other players nominated for a second straight year are Jonathan Casillas of Wisconsin, Maurice Crum Jr. of Notre Dame, Brian Cushing of Southern California, Zack Follett of California, Nic Harris of Oklahoma and Darryl Richard of Georgia Tech.
Thirty-five schools are represented on the Watch List.
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its fourth year, the Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.
Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and Master Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.
The winner is announced at a banquet in Newport Beach, Calif., on Dec. 14, 2008.
The 2008 Lott Trophy Watch List: Asher Allen, Georgia; Ted Bentler, Army; ERIC BERRY, TENNESSEEE; Russell Brorsen, Kansas; Reggie Carter, UCLA; Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin; Maurice Crum Jr., Notre Dame;
Aaron Curry, Wake Forest; Brian Cushing, Southern California; Zack Follett, California; Courtney Greene, Rutgers; Nic Harris, Oklahoma; Mark Herzlich, Boston College; Brandon Hughes, Oregon State; George Hypolite, Colorado; Jeremy Jarmon, Kentucky; Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; Jan Jorgensen, Brigham Young; Mitch King, Iowa; John Larson, Kansas; James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; Taylor Mays, Southern California; Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida; Bo McNally, Stanford; Greg Middleton, Indiana; Scott Mikillop, Pittsburgh; Brit Miller, Illinois; William Moore, Missouri; Troy Nolan, Arizona State; Eric Norwood, South Carolina; Brian Orakpo, Texas; Jeff Owens, Georgia; Kirston Pittman, LSU; Zach Potter, Nebraska; Nick Reed, Oregon; Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech; Myron Rolle, Florida State; George Selvie, South Florida; Brandon Spikes, Florida; Alterraun Verner, UCLA; Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri; Reed Williams, West Virginia.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 46
BOASoldier writes:
ERIC "THE SLEDGE HAMMER" BERRY Lay a hit so hard it'll make your momma stutter. b-b-b-baby p-p-p-please get up. It's yo m-m-m-momma talkin.
thesavageorange writes:
And the winner of the 2008 Lott trophy...........
The CEO of "the goon squad" Eric Berry!!
sjt18 ,I agree 100%.I haven't seen a more mature young man at UT since Peyton.
murrayvol writes:
If the D-line can do it's job in 08', this secondary could be something special.
RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:
No surprise here! The only bad thing is if Berry has a great year will he turn pro?
FlushTheJohn writes:
I'm so excited that I can't stand it. How many days until football season? Can we hit fast forward?!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
bigorangedude: No, because he can't turn pro until after his JR season.
FlushTheJohn writes:
Has anybody heard anything (football related) about William Brimfield? He was a big recruit on the DL last year, but other than being in the back seat of Ahmad Paige's car, I haven't heard anything about him.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
the rule will be changed before berry can go pro after this year
BADGES0413 writes:
He can't turn pro until after his Junior year since he didn't red shirt.
FlushTheJohn writes:
sjt18
Thanks for the info!!!
99gator writes:
forgive me for ruffling some feathers.....
but, i would temper some of the enthusiasm about the secondary until, they, you know, cover someone.
this is the same group that could not defend one pass target at alabama or vandy.
now, before you start saying those in glass houses should not throw stones.....i would agree.
and as such, i have not made any declarations on the greatness of any defensive group for florida.
vol4jesus writes:
reminder to 99gator and others...if pass rush is not a rush, but a snail attack, doesn't matter who is in the secondary. Can only lock someone down for so long.
99gator writes:
vol4jesus
true. but, as someone else said. if these guys are as good a group as some of you make them out to be....it will allow tenn to blitz and take chances rushing the qb.
i just have to see it before i believe it.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I hear you, 99gator, but I don't think people are just blowing smoke, whistling in the wind, whatever metaphor you prefer, about this year's secondary. Surely you agree that Berry is the real thing. Morley was, too, and now they are both back there. The corners last year for the most part were either freshmen or transfers from other positions. It took half a season to identify the best combination. Even then, injuries ensured that they all weren't often on the field at the same time. A poor pass rush put even more pressure on them. They now have a year of crucial experience to go along with plenty of physical talent; there is nothing like a season of watching the backsides of receivers one was supposed to be covering to make one hungry to avoid a repetition(;-P)! Agreed, this group hasn't done it all yet, but it is, IMHO, more than wishful thinking to think that they will.
99gator writes:
john1g00
i understand. and i tend to agree, i would just use a little caution and not go overboard. but, there are more highly prized recruits in that secondary than probably any other position tenn has.
99gator writes:
sjt18
i understand what you are getting at. but, i did not proclaim any of those things great or what have you.
as an example, my comment about the backup qb was that they are not true freshman and that one of them will play some. i did not proclaim any of them tim tebow II. heck, i did not even say any of them were good. i just said at least they are not true freshman.
and the same goes for each of those positions.
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18, You are pretty much on target.Langley seems to be the one creating a buzz as the 4th man in the rotation at DT.Victor Thomas has been either very good or very bad.Ben Martin is struggling a little w/ technique.He is very fast, but is only playing at 240lbs, so his pad leverage and hands must improve ,but all in all Chavis is happy where he is at.The word I keep hearing over and over about the D-line is consistency.They actually sound to be more comfortable w/ DT than DE.Ayers is the most consistent, but they are really wanting a true pass rusher to step up.(ala Ben Martin)
On the recruiting front:Hubbs said "The Vol coaching staff has done the best job I have ever seen of getting prospects on campus this spring. It is certainly a huge improvement from a year ago."
It seems that a-lot of the guys coming on visits have ties w/ either current or former players.(an unusual ammount) Ja’Ron Stokes a 6-foot-1, 178 pound four star wide out, was in town this week and is friends w/ former Vol Mark Jones.The staff is also recruiting 2 4* offensive lineman out of Utah, who go to different HS's, but know each other and know JT Mapu and his family.It is said Mapu is really helping us on those guys.David Oku, 5-foot-9 176 lbs 4.49 sec 40, 4* RB from Midwest City (OK) is friends w/ Gerald Jones, and said he really likes what GJ has said about the new offense and how he could fit in.
We are listed as the #1 school for a couple guys we really need.Dallas Lee of Buford (GA)is a 6'4 290lb DT.A-lot of teams are recruiting him as an OG, but he clearly wants to play DT,and the UT coaches are recruiting him as such.The coaches have also offered Daniel Hood a 6'5 DE from K'Ville catholic HS.He said he has only worked in the weight room for about a yr, so look for him to get bigger and move indide.He said he was overly excited that the Vols offered.Both are looking to commit before football season.
Sorry about the length, I'm just ready for football!
99gator writes:
sjt18
the new wr i was telling you about...i have a point of reference for. if coaches and people who have seen them play say, that he will play and be better than other people who started the year before, then that must mean he is pretty good.
with the backs, i said nothing about how good they were. i said who was the better runner and who was the better blocker. i did say that as a group they are better, but that is not saying much at that position.
auttat writes:
I bet Berry is on alot of people's watch list. Watching hoping they don't get "Run the f@#% over!!"
Tend to agree with 99gator. As good as Berry was, he still gave up a few long td passes. And, I remember doing alot more yelling AT Morley than I did yelling FOR him.
Nonetheless, they have the potential to be outstanding.
99gator writes:
sjt18
to be fair to you, there are unproven players for florida that i have faith will be good because there is too much coal for there not to be some diamonds.
and i am sure that is true of the tenn secondary and some other positions at tenn.
i just am not going to take that faith and proclaim anything great or give anyone or any unit a nickname until i see it.
Orangebrewbasher writes:
I would say the chances of TN's secondary being as bad as it was against CAL and FL is slim to none, and slim just walked out the door. and I am optimistic that Ben Martin will be more productive than both or out DE's were last year. Demonte Bolden is back at DT also. Could actually be a decent DL also. Sure wish Mayo didn't leave.
VolJoe writes:
I would argue that Tebow is clearly "great" because of what he has accomplished. Therefore Berry is also "great", but clearly to a different degree (He isn't a Heisman Winner).
Mathematically, we have half of a great secondary already
CoverOrange writes:
No doubt a great secondary, but it won't matter if the LBs can't cover the underneath routes. To 99gator's point, Bama nickel and dimed us down the field. Say what you will about the dink and dunk, but it can move the ball if it's not covered.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
listen, you can have the best secondary from the nfl but if you dont have a D-Line and some LB's tebow is going to keep on running up the middle all day and also auburn now!!!!
thesavageorange writes:
Receivers should be fine.Scott said his biggest problem is getting all of them involved.The 3 creating the most buzz are Jones,Moore, and Paige.Scott went on to say:"Based on Gerald's performance since we've been here, we're continually looking to find new ways to get him the ball. He's a guy who is just fantastic with the ball in his hands in space," Scott observed. "Gerald's someone who we want to get matched up on a linebacker and just get him the ball where he can let his ability take over."
"I have six or seven guys who will probably see considerable game action.
DT is still the question.The coaches seem to be happy w/ the 1st 3 (Williams,Bolden, and Fisher),but the concern is depth.Langley would be the 4th option right now, but I think CPF was hoping Victor Thomas was going to step up.The problem w/ VT is,one play he uses great technique but isn't intense, and then the next play he gives great effort but uses bad technique.They say when he puts the 2 together, he can't be blocked by 1 guy.
The keys IMO:
1.Staying healthy
2.Bolden living up to expectations.(He's already a legend in his own mind)
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Berry is a smart kid who will finish his degree before going pro. I only hope it takes him four years.
murrayvol writes:
99gator @ 2:02: We're roughly 150 days from kickoff. What better time to throw caution to the wind and/or go overboard with predictions for the upcoming year? It's what we do best.
thesavageorange writes:
KingsportVol ,I'll drink to that!You may see other teams come up w/ their own version of the dink and dunk w/ D-Mo and the Head Hunter lurking around.5 yrd out and 5 yrd curls then hit the ground.Don't get caught slippin.
Hope they have the smelling salts ready."The Goon Squad" is coming.
Gigavol writes:
Berry is definitely the best underclassmen safety to ever play college football. He will put Tebow in a full body cast, 99gator. If you remember he intercepted big bag tebow in Berry's first game playing the position. Then he ran it back for a touchdown and smoked Tebow with the ball.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
99gator, I'll go out on a limb and say the "D" will be better than 2007.
It just about has to be. You make a good point about Vandy , Bama and others throwing for a zillion yards, it seemed, to wide open receivers.
It was about as thrilling as watching Fla's "D" destruct vs Mich. I guess you've noticed we're tippy-toeing around the D-line with our PC musings. Who knows?
TommyJack writes:
gator8: The KK brings out fresh hot ones at 6a.m....you've never seen CPF at 5:55. Speed is impressive. (sorry folks...I couldn't help it)
thesavageorange writes:
gatorfan8 ,Speed you say?
Eric Berry 4.33 sec 40.
Percy Harvin 4.4 sec 40
Speed?
You better hope he can stay healthy.He missed 2 games last yr b/c of migraines, and is having surgery on his heel.Not knocking Harvin(great player), but I don't think Meyer will put Harvin near Berry.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ 8:39 - Rounding into preseason form, I see.
TommyJack writes:
PD: Lost control. doldrums. long hard summer. ready.
CoverOrange writes:
gatorfan8, why would percy put blocks in his pants? Oh, I see, you haven't finished your junior high school english class yet.
drwfocus writes:
HELLO - what the hell is going on? Most of the comments on here are very interesting and informative. Only one negative anti-Fulmer post from Ashley (TJ's attempt at humor doesn't count and I am right there in the doldrums with him).
pdhuff#552644 writes:
drwfocus 9:25 am -the doldrums do that to you. Some things fade a little but swing back into full reality along toward the end of August.
There is no doubt Phil will furnish enuf ammo for the realist vs the "Ites" battle to be rejoined. Roiling has just ebbed as it wont to do in the climes of Apr-May-June, etc.......
My big buddy Fletch feels this schedule opener change is Mikeys way of putting Phil straightaway in to frying pan. With no warm-up. Produce or else. Just a smiling vote of confidence. Et tu.......
Crazyy theory, huh!
murrayvol writes:
pdhuff: A conspiracy theory. At last the clouds are swept away. We can all look forward to a great summer of yeas & nays.
miamiVOL writes:
Eric Berry is a hybrid of Ronnie Lott and Deion Sanders, without the eGo, IMO he will be a top 15 caliber pick after THIS YEAR
TommyJack writes:
PD/Murray: The conspiracy thrives during doldrumz.
Biggest loser in the re-arrangement could be UAB's offense. Alas, only time will tell.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
murrayvol 10:49- In the vein of fairness, big Fletch also feels that there never should have been a front-wheel drive car or an extended cab p/u.
He wouldn't take a new Ford p/u if you gave him one. Chevy man to the bone. Doubt if he would pull our current coach out of a ditch. He is open-minded, his way or the highway! He says my 7-5 is too optimistic. He can eat 50 hot wings thou and loves Killian Red. And the Vols.
thesavageorange writes:
gatorfan8,Let's take a look!
Reggie Nelson's FR yr:
46 tkl's ,1 int 6yds o TD's,1 FF,1 FR 0yds, and 1 pbu's.
Eric Berry's FR yr:
86 tkl's ,5int's 222 yds 1TD,1 FF,2 FR 55 yd's,and 4 pbu's.
You're right Berry isn't no reggie nelson!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Nice and Unbelievable to see positive posts!!
I'm going to sleep. Wake me up when it's August.
TommyJack writes:
PD; Glad to hear BIg Fletch drinks leaded beer.
thesavageorange writes:
gatorfan8,Actually I forgot.Nelson was a JR coming out of JUCO, not a FR as I posted above.So Berry's numbers were better as a FR than Nelson's were as a JR.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Doldrums.
Congrats to Memphis U.
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