Derek Barnett talks decision to leave school, favorite moment at Tennessee
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.
— Rhiannon Potkey (@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.
— Rhiannon Potkey (@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.
— Rhiannon Potkey (@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.
