Tennessee Lands Three On Freshman Of The Year Watch List
By Aidan Sidoti
Signs of long-term success are emerging in Knoxville.
On Tuesday, the Maxwell Football Club announced that three Tennessee key contributors, right tackle Jesse Perry, cornerback Ty Redmond, and wide receiver Braylon Staley, have been named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list.
Perry has been a pleasant surprise for the Volunteers, starting all five games this season.
The 6-foot-6 tackle from Murfreesboro owns an 84.9 pass-blocking PFF grade, the third-highest among SEC tackles, and has helped stabilize an offensive line that rushes for just below 200 yards per game.
Redmond has quickly become an immediate impact player in the secondary.
The true freshman has started four games in place of the injured Rickey Gibson. In that span, he’s recorded 17 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception.
He currently leads all SEC freshmen in passes defended with five, highlighting his ability to hold his own against the conference’s best.
On the offensive side of the ball, Staley has quickly established himself as one of Tennessee’s most consistent and trustworthy playmakers.
The redshirt freshman wideout has hauled in 25 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns through the first five games.
He exploded onto the scene in the season opener against Syracuse, delivering an instant impact that earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors after posting four receptions for 95 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown.
The Shaun Alexander Award annually recognizes the most outstanding freshman in the sport.
Tennessee is set to host Arkansas at Neyland Stadium, with the game kicking off at 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
