UT's Brown named SEC Defensive Lineman of Week

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).