2001 Male Amateur Athlete of the Year

John Henderson

Last season Tennessee All-American John Henderson accomplished something no other Volunteer has done in his junior year...he was named the 2000 Outland Trophy winner, recognizing him as the outstanding lineman in college football.

In 2000, the Nashville native was only in his second-year as starter at left defensive end, but certainly registered some outstanding statistics over the course of the season. He had 64 primary tackles, seven assists for a total of 71, nine tackles for loss, 12 sacks (third all-time at UT for single season), four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and nine quarterback pressures.

Recognition was consistent with John's results on the football field. He was named First team All-American, selected by Football Writers Association, The Sporting News and Football News; first-team All-SEC, selected by The Sporting News and College Sports Central; and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, selected by College Sports Central.

 

Perhaps the best news for Vol fans was that John Henderson decided to by-pass the NFL draft and has elected to return for his senior year at the University of Tennessee where he will anchor the defensive line.