KNOXVILLE – Two plays from the first half of Tennessee’s win against Georgia last October define Derek Barnett.
Neither of them were game-saving plays, nor was one of them the defensive end’s first of nine sacks during an eight-game stretch of his sophomore season.
On both occasions the Bulldogs went away from Barnett’s side as running back Sony Michel broke free for a long gain. Both times Barnett turned and sprinted more than 50 yards to help the Volunteers keep a big play from becoming a touchdown. He made the tackle on Michel’s 29-yard gain and later decked a wide receiver blocking downfield for him.
Barnett plays every snap the same way: with maximum effort, a tenacious relentlessness and a nasty demeanor.
“I think his switch kind of flips on and off the field,” Tennessee linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin said earlier this week. “He’s kind of reserved and quiet, laid-back off the field. On the field, that’s kind of where he lets loose. He plays with a big chip on his shoulder. I think everyone sees that on Saturdays, and he’s just like that in practice every day.