Tennessee defensive tackle Wes Brown’s shoestring interception and 25-yard return for a touchdown against Vanderbilt in Saturday’s closing seconds - on the last play of his Neyland Stadium career - was enough for the SEC to select Brown its Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Brown added three tackles in the game, including one for a nine-yard sack, and contributed one quarterback hurry as the Vols defeated Vanderbilt 31-16. Tennessee held the Commodores to just one touchdown on four trips inside the red zone.
The interception came as the Vols were trying to deny Vanderbilt a tying drive. Brown picked off the errant toss from Vanderbilt quarterback Mackenzi Adams and scored his first collegiate touchdown with just three seconds remaining.
“I put my hands out, and the next thing I know I was running with it,” Brown said. “It just happened so fast. I’m not used to intercepting a pass and running with it, so it was just a dream come true for me.
It was Brown’s second game in a row with an interception, and the former defensive end is tied for the team lead. Brown’s first touchdown since high school came in his 49th collegiate game.
“What a neat way to end the game on the last play for Wes,” UT head coach Lane Kiffin said. “You can’t have a guy who’s worked harder since he’s been here and been through more things.
“To see him just shows that if you want something bad enough, it can happen. The fact that he can intercept that ball, run like that and carry the guy on his back -- just a really neat story.”
Other honorees from the SEC this week were Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett (offense), Kentucky linebacker Sam Maxwell (defense), Alabama returner Javier Arenas (special teams), Mississippi guard Reid Neely (offensive line) and Vanderbilt’s Norman (freshman).
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Comments » 36
finn writes:
Hard not to love that kid. We go nuts over the one or two bad seeds on this team and every other one in America but it is always good to remember that guys like Wes and Berry make up the backbone of our college athletics. Thanks for being a Vol, Wes!
InertGas writes:
Thanks for your great heart and character and all you have given for the Vols Wes. We'll miss you.
516milesfromUT writes:
That play moved into my top five plays of all time. Way to go Wes, & congrats to you. musta watched it 50 times again on sunday!
huntined#565710 writes:
good for him!! he made a memory for himself for the rest of his life. and I am sure all of his family really enjoyed that run,especally with that running back on his back.
DennisVols writes:
A great classic moment in UT football history. Seeing Brown dragging the Vandy player all the way into the end-zone epitomizes what this season has been all about for Brown and his teammates. The biggest improvement under first year coach Kiffin is the “never quit” attitude of this team. They went into the “swamp” they went into Bryant-Denny stadium and walked out respected. Meyer felt so bad that he had to create excuses for the way his team played.
Congratulations Brown not just for the TD moment you gave us last Saturday, but for being everything UT football should be(character, heart, competitive and most of all Class)
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!!
jet writes:
Wes, thanks for being a classy guy and honoring the Vols with your all through the years. I will hold that interception and TD run in my heart as one of the greatest plays in UT football. It symbolizes the VOL spirit and the best that college football has to offer. My hat is off to you!
volinlouisiana writes:
What about Big John Henderson, and that other guy, I think his name was Reggie White?
Laydbakvol writes:
Somebody should make a slow-motion video of that td with some sound effects. I'd watch it.
SeabeeVol writes:
Someone needs to read up on their UT Football history.
"There once was a guy named Atkins..."
Congrats to Wes Brown!
gnm53108 writes:
Bob Suffridge.
UT's only 3 time Allamerican.
crimsonviper writes:
well deserved and good for him..
he fought the pain to put himself in a position to finish in style....He gave his all,without a doubt.
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Now I definately know you rode the short bus to school.
kevin151 writes:
Yeah... I wouldn't go that far. Maybe top 50 DL of all-time, and someone who had a lot of heart and not very much talent.
MS_VOLSFAN writes:
Congrats to Wes. Thank you for all that you have done and the class that you have shown while doing it. Good luck with your future...Also, great win on Sat. guys. I am proud to be a VOLS fan....
luvorange writes:
You can't be serious.
Skullz_VOL writes:
Dont get me wrong, I liked Will too, but I wouldn't put him in the top 10. Maybe not even the top 20.
luvorange writes:
We were sitting in section N with a great view of this touchdown. The place went nuts and to see him dragging that guy for 10 or so yards was pretty awesome. Wes, so happy for you and makes me proud to be a vol!
CoverOrange writes:
A little reverse psychology there, Naffy? Bravo. But you can't fool us. ;)
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
And hearing Wes' interview after the game when he could hardly speak through his tears was priceless. He just kept saying over and over, "God's just blessed me so much." Between watching that play and Kiffin's reaction on the sideline, I couldn't quit smiling for hours. (There's a funny slow-mo version of Kiffin leaping and shoving Jonathan on youtube.) Congratulations, Wes, for winning this award. You deserve it and you've made the rest of us Vols so proud in every way!
dma38256#264746 writes:
Eyes get all watery every time I see that replay...gotta love it...must be a dream come true...Thanks Wes.
agentorange writes:
Try adding John Henderson, Chris Mims, Chuck Smith, Darwin Walker, Sean Ellis and REGGIE WHITE to that list.
VolFaninNiota writes:
Good for you Wes. That makes the career at Tenn just about complete.
VolTex writes:
The way they team came out and was so excited for him and all piled on him was pretty awesome to see. Kiffen's reaction was great as well. That's the team building stuff I like to see.
InVAbutHeartInTN writes:
Vandy game highlights on youtube under 'mtsudude24'...includes Brown's TD romp...gives me chills.
InVAbutHeartInTN writes:
Anyone have link/site for Brown's postgame interview? Thanks.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Truly a life moment to remember.
Stunning.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Here's a funny slow-mo of Kiffin's priceless response following Wes' play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabdOI...
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
LMAO I don't care if you're a UT fan or not, this was funny. :) I didn't see it in the stands, and seeing it in fast motion, I didn't even catch that he jacked Jonathan Crompton until the slow-mo replay! LOL
Now, if we can, we have to focus and beat the Mildcats!! GO VOLS!!!
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
And I would love hear when Crompton realized that it was Kiffin who took him out. I've watched that over and over and laughed my head off. You can watch a better real-time video of it at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?g... starting with Wes' play at around 1:36. Awesome!!
theoldbear writes:
And don't forget Doug Atkins!
murrayvol writes:
Naffy, Naffy, Naffy. I suppose you'll never stop roiling the natives? Pathetic to the nth degree.
murrayvol writes:
Thanks Wes.
That play will define this season for me and a few others I expect.
senracjr writes:
You forgot Reggie white.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Thanks for the link! That was truly a moment that will live in Vol football history. Of course, the REASON for it will shine even brighter. Great effort, Wes, just like you have given all along. Thanks for showing us your human side, CLK.
SeabeeVol writes:
You're right, can't forget about Bob Suffridge, USN WWII veteran. He could play a little football also. ;o)
Ooorah!
Bellem13 writes:
Good Game! Wish All of you the BEST!
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