KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s bumpy ride through the 2016 regular season is in the rear view mirror.

From being named SEC East favorites at SEC Media Days to the self-proclaimed slogan of “Own It” during fall camp, one would make it hard to believe that the Vols would have a pair of losses to South Carolina and Vanderbilt.

Through it all, there were individuals on Team 120 who carried the team and stood out week in and week out.

Here’s our winners of various Tennessee superlatives for the 2016 regular season.

Offensive MVP: Josh Dobbs

Dobbs, without doubt, was Tennessee’s offensive MVP in 2016. Without Dobbs’ production and leadership, the Vols wouldn’t be bowl eligible.

The senior quarterback is much like former Vol quarterback Casey Clausen, one who will be remembered and deeply appreciated even more as time goes by. Neither won an SEC championship, but both led their teams on the field with their production.

Dobbs’ numbers were impressive: He led the SEC in passing touchdowns (26) and QB rating (152.6). He was in the top five in yards (2,655, 4th), completions (202, 5th) and percentage (63.3, 3rd). He also ran for 713 rushing yards (3rd among QBs) and nine touchdowns (4th among QBs).

On top of many stats and highlights this season, Dobbs will look to add to his career totals of 83 touchdowns in 36 games (52 passing, 29 rushing, 2 receiving) in his final game against Nebraska in the Music City Bowl.

Defensive MVP: Derek Barnett

Barnett led the SEC in sacks with 12.0, which allowed him to tie Reggie White’s Tennessee career record (32.0). Can he pass White by adding a sack in the bowl game Nebraska’s offensive line has only given up 11 sacks this season.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the Year: Tyler Byrd

Byrd announced he was coming to Tennessee during the Vols’ basketball upset of Kentucky. The excitement was doubled due to Byrd de-committing from the Miami Hurricanes and joining former interim Hurricanes head coach, and newly hired Vols’ tight ends coach, Larry Scott.

Byrd gradually worked his way into the rotation, making his first appearance at the Battle at Bristol in the second game. The speedster was involved in one running play for 5 yards. The next week against Ohio, Byrd reeled in two receptions for 15 yards. In Week 4, against Florida, the freshman caught three passes for 40 yards in the Vols’ first win over the Gators since 2004.

Even as Byrd was emerging, it took time to find a role in offensive coordinator Mike DeBord’s scheme. Byrd’s statistics are proof of being a work-in-progress, but he has much promise. Heading into the bowl game, Byrd has 15 receptions for 209 yards but is still looking for his first touchdown.

Assistant of the Year: Robert Gillespie

Gillespie, the Vols’ running backs coach, has had a good tenure under Butch Jones. The former Florida running back has helped develop Jalen Hurd, Alvin Kamara, John Kelly, and now Carlin Fils-aime.

Last year, Tennessee ran for 2,908 yards, second-most in program history. This year, despite injuries and Hurd’s decision to leave, the Vols still averaged 203 yards rushing per game — just 20 fewer than last season.

Dobbs, Kamara (565) and Kelly (560) topped 500 yards rushing, and Hurd finished with 451.

Gillespie has been just as effective on the recruiting trail as Jones’ recruiting coordinator.