Berry Named Thorpe Award Finalist, SEC Defensive Player of the Week

Eric Berry

Nov. 24, 2008

Tennessee's Eric Berry saw his weekend exploits spill over into Monday as he was named both a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and the SEC's Defensive Player of the Week in the same afternoon.

Berry is one of three finalists for the coveted Thorpe Award, presented to the nation's top defensive back by a selection committee of former players, coaches, journalists and representatives of the major conferences. His selection as a finalist means the UT sophomore is headed to Orlando, Fla., for The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards.

The program, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, originates Dec. 11 from the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk on the Walt Disney World Resort. The program airs live on ESPN from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Other finalists are Ohio State senior Malcolm Jenkins and Southern California junior Taylor Mays.

Berry stands alone nationally with seven interceptions for the season. His 265 interception return yards this year are threatening the all-time NCAA mark of 302 set by Southern Cal's Charles Phillips in 1974, and his 487 career yards in just 24 games are within 14 of the NCAA career mark of 501 set by Florida State's Terrell Buckley from 1989-91.

The fierce-hitting safety also earned his second weekly SEC defensive honor of the season for his efforts in Saturday's win at Vanderbilt.

The sophomore returned an interception for a touchdown for the second time in five games to help Tennessee past the Commodores, 20-10. Berry's season interception return yardage total broke the 52-year-old SEC record of 242 set by Florida's Joe Brodsky in 1956. He added one sack in the game and also took four snaps at quarterback, rushing for 11 yards and a first down.

This week's other SEC recipients were Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon (offense), LSU placekicker Colt David (special teams), Mississippi center Daverin Geralds (offensive lineman) and defensive tackle Peria Jerry (defensive lineman), and Florida running back Chris Rainey (freshman).

187 YEARS OF RECORDS SHATTERED
Berry in less than two seasons has broken interception return yardage records that had been on the books for a combined 187 years. He now owns records for a UT season (previously stood for 37 years), UT career (39 years), SEC season (52 years) and SEC career (59 years).

HAYWOOD HARRIS INTERVIEW OF COACH Phillip Fulmer BEFORE SATURDAY'S KENTUCKY GAME

1. From a historical point of view, explain the significance of the series with border rival Kentucky.

A - "I've seen it from a bunch of perspectives -- as player, assistant coach and head coach. I can't remember one time that it wasn't a tough scrap all the way. Against a border rival, it involves bragging rights for the people of Kentucky and the people of Tennessee. It's always hard fought and I don't expect anything different Saturday night."

2. How important is it that the Vols close strong with wins over traditional foes Vanderbilt and Kentucky?

A - "They remember what you did in November. And those two games are always there at the end of the season. It would be wonderful, and a very positive close to the season, if we could finish with a victory over Kentucky after beating Vanderbilt last Saturday."

3. Explain the role of senior leadership that helped keep the Vols together this season.

A - "This is a great bunch of seniors, deserving to be honored this week with The Last Tackle on Thanksgiving Day and then coming through the T at Saturday's game. I told them Sunday night it seems that they just got here. They all agreed; it goes fast. This has been a special group because it hasn't been easy. But they've always come back to work and shown the rest of the team how it's done."

4. What do you expect on offense from the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday at Neyland Stadium?

A - "The quarterback has done a really nice job of running the ball and avoiding tackles. He also does a good job of running the offense very well. We're going to have to work hard and do things right in order to contain their offense."

5. What problems will Kentucky's defense create in Saturday's 2008 finale at Neyland Stadium?

A - "This is one of the better defenses we play all season. Their front is strong, their linebackers have matured and their secondary is very capable. I hope we have come far enough offensively that we can score some points against them."