With all the attention focused on Derek Barnett’s pursuit of Reggie White’s school sack record (he needs two more to tie, three to beat it), there are some other milestones that are being overlooked.
Tennessee’s official stats Twitter account found a great one on Thursday – pointing out that Barnett is the first player in SEC history to have three seasons of double-digit sacks.
Derek Barnett is the 1st player in @SEC HISTORY with 3 seasons of 10.0 or more sacks 🍊🏈
2016: 10.0
2015: 10.0
2014: 10.0 pic.twitter.com/QWllJpDG4N— Tennessee Stats & Info (@Vol_Stats) November 17, 2016
That’s pretty mind-blowing when you think of some of the pass rushers that have played in the SEC throughout history – Derrick Thomas, White, David Pollack, Jadeveon Clowney and Jevon Kearse, just to name a few from the past few decades.
It’s also a testament to Barnett’s consistency. From the first game of his freshman season to what appear to be his final games coming up, he’s been one of the best players on the field.
That’s also why outlets such as Pro Football Focus think he could be as high as a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
