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Derek Barnett talks decision to leave school, favorite moment at Tennessee
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Earlier today, Tennessee star defensive end Derek Barnett announced that he would forgo his senior season to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
Not long after, he jumped on a conference call with reporters to discuss his decision and his favorite moment as a Volunteer:
#Vols DE Derek Barnett just had conference call with reporters. Said leaving for the NFL was hard decision to make, but right one for him.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) January 3, 2017
#Vols DE Derek Barnett said he didn't want to be a distraction to the team so he kept his NFL decision to himself during end of the season.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) January 3, 2017
#Vols DE Derek Barnett said his favorite moment at UT was Music City Bowl in his hometown last week and breaking career sacks record.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) January 3, 2017
Barnett, a projected first-round draft pick, became the school’s all-time leader in sacks (33) after finishing fifth nationally with 13 in 2016 to follow his 10 as a sophomore and freshman.
Tennessee (9-4), which soundly defeated Nebraska in the Music City Bowl, 38-24, will certainly miss Barnett’s presence on the defensive line next season, but it does not go as a surprise to see his name on the list of early entrants for April’s draft.
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
