Vols Defender Named As SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

Vols Defender Named As SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

Deandre Johnson was one of the pleasant surprises of Tennessee's 31-27 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night. Johnson provided a spark off the edge and lived in South Carolina's backfield for 2.5 quarters. 

The big-performance was enough to earn him the honors of SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. 

A press release from the University states:

"Tennessee edge rusher Deandre Johnson picked up the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after the Vols' Week 1, 31-27 win at South Carolina, the conference announced Monday.

As the Vols picked up their seventh consecutive win that dates back to last season, Johnson's performance spearheaded a UT defense that staved off the pursuant Gamecocks that managed to knot the score on two occasions, before UT ultimately pulled away.

The Miami, Fla., native recorded a game-high 2.5 sacks, tying a career high, 2.5 tackles for loss, a career-best six tackles and forced a fumble as the Vols earned their first win in Columbia, S.C., since 2014. The 2.5 sacks led all SEC players in Week 1 and were the most by a Vol since Darrell Taylor had four against Kentucky on Nov. 10, 2018. Johnson's forced fumble in the second quarter stalled a Gamecocks drive, while two of his sacks came on third down, including a critical one in the fourth quarter.

The recognition marks Johnson's first collegiate honor and the 12th occasion a Vol has earned the distinction. The senior has appeared in 32 games for the Orange & White, making four starts."

Johnson will look to build on the performance on Saturday, when the 20th ranked Volunteers host Missouri at Noon ET on the SEC network.