In what will probably be the first of many awards for his performance in 2009, Tennessee safety Eric Berry was named Thursday to the American Football Coaches Association Coaches' All-America Team.
It's the second consecutive year the AFCA has honored Berry.
Berry began his junior year just 15 yards shy of breaking the NCAA record for interception return yardage. Following a season in which he was more involved in run support than before, Berry is still eight yards shy of the mark.
Although it's far from UT's primary goal, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is aware of the record.
"I put my arm around him, after the last game (against Kentucky) and I said, 'You're awesome and I love you, Eric.' " Kiffin said. "But you know, you can't necessarily plan these things.
"People might say you put him in the box too much or whatever (but) Eric made a lot of tackles for us. He played deep. He played cover two. He played three deep. He was in flats and curls and stuff.
"I just think a lot of it is they're not throwing it toward number 14. It's pretty easy to see his jersey number; maybe if he didn't have to wear his jersey or something, I think that a lot of it really is they were going to throw away from him, and we can't control all that."
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Comments » 22
Nicolevol writes:
Congratulations!!
brianarauch#206642 writes:
I echo the congrats to Berry. We all wanted him to get the record, but it seems it was not to be. It's a shame really.
golfin_blondie writes:
Congras Berry and I wish you the best at the next level...
crimsonviper writes:
Epic post Doc.That says it all...GBO!!
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Eric will become a great ambassador for us in the NFL. He will be one of the first 3 taken in the draft and will be the youngest to make the Pro Bowl. He will help us in recruiting for years to come. So proud and lucky to have had him. Just like Peyton.....All the best luck in the future Eric. Go Vols. Go Big Orange.
UTByrd writes:
Witch Doctor, you have completely outdone yourself. Your words should be etched in granite and given to Mr. Eric Berry as an appreciation gift, notice I didn't say going away present because he will always be with the great University of Tennessee.
As always, Go VOLS!!!!!
kifslostcred writes:
Right on Witch_Doctor!
mercuryvol writes:
Best UT safety ever.
SmokeyHound writes:
eric berry is amazing. since in the nfl he wont be as feared as in college, so they will throw it to him and he will get pik sixs baby!!!
TommyJack writes:
People who really know football, know #14.
rockytop#413695 writes:
I think he still has a chance at the record in the bowl game. Tell me if that's wrong, but bowl games count with the season stats. That's why Hardesty still could get enough yards to be UT's alltime leading rusher. Wouldn't it be awesome to have Berry break the record against VT with a pick six on national TV.
willaustin writes:
Best college safety ever imo..
willaustin writes:
Thank you Eric for the opportunity to allow us to not only watch you play, but also to have you play in our beloved orange. God speed my friend. Say hi to Peyton for us. :)
OTPVol writes:
Congratuations Eric. You make the Vol nation proud. You and Johnathon and our whole team have been shining examples of what Volunteers truly are. Confratulations (and we would love one more year!)
roloyo writes:
Congratulations EB, You are an outstanding student athlete, with probably the best attitude of anyone who's ever worn the orange. And if all the stars line up, maybe we'll see you in Nashvile next year...on Sundays. Again Congratulations & GBO
Orangeblood13 writes:
1 more year
1 more year
1 more year
1 more year
oh please Santa, let 14 come back for 1 more ")
jmorri30 writes:
RobEl, your comment is classless.
Eric Berry is a great guy and he will be a great representative of UT like Manning.
Good luck Eric and Go Vols!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Bowl stats DO count toward records, though it was not always so. Some think it is unfair to those who played when bowl stats DIDN'T count, but stats change all the time. Football hasn't always counted QB sacks as an official stat. Basketball hasn't always counted blocked shots, assists, or steals as official stats. Completely agree that it would be GREAT if Berry could break the int-yardage record in the bowl! Montario, too!
mcever writes:
I say he already got it against Georgia. I say this, because it might have been a fumble or it might not have, but I do know had it hit the ground, it would have been incomplete.
steelersman42 writes:
Best safety ever.
spacehistorian writes:
What impresses me the most about Eric Berry is that we never heard him complain one time about his role on Monte's defense this year. Most prima donna all-star players would have gone on ESPN, sports talk radio or used the press to air out how they weren't being utilized correctly aka playing for themselves & the record books. What we have in EB in a classy young man who put the team ahead of himself despite the fact that the entire Vol Nation wanted to see him break the record.
I share the desire of my fellow Big Orange fans to see EB return next season because we are a selfish bunch of folks who are cognizant of the fact he would make our defense better against a killer schedule in 2010. I won't blame him for going pro because he can be a top 5 pick & get the contract he deserves rather than run the risk of pulling a Sam Bradford. No matter what he decides, he is All-Vol & always will be just like Peyton Manning has been all these years. Best of luck to you Eric & I have a feeling you will break the record in the bowl game as karma is on your side.
LargeOrange writes:
I agree with the bones this time 100% I selfishly wish that EB would do a Peyton and stay one more year, but I think he has to go to the first round. Class guy and he deserves the money and props he has voming.
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