Jackson, Waggner tabbed by SEC coaches

Defensive Leaders Named To Preseason All-SEC Team
 
KNOXVILLE – Tennessee senior defensive lineman Malik Jackson and junior defensive back Prentiss Waggner earned selections to the 2011 SEC Coaches Preseason All-SEC Team, adding to numerous preseason honors for the upperclassman standouts. Jackson was named to the first team, while Waggner notched a spot on the third team.
 
The defensive duo has also been recognized on multiple preseason award watch lists. Waggner leads the team with his name on four watch lists (Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Award and the Jim Thorpe Award), while Jackson has been named to three (Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award).
 
Jackson led the Vols’ defensive line with 48 tackles in 2010, including a team-high 11 tackles for loss. The Northridge, Calif., native also ranked second on the UT squad with five sacks and third with four pass break-ups and five quarterback hurries.
 
Jackson’s production exploded after moving inside to defensive tackle at Georgia (Oct. 9). In the final eight games, the senior recorded 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, all five of his sacks, three QB hurries, four passes defended and an interception.
 
Waggner, who earned Associated Press second team All-SEC and Scout.com second team All-America honors in 2010, broke the UT season record for interceptions returned for touchdowns, taking an NCAA FBS-leading three to the end zone.
 
The Clinton, La., native tied for seventh in the FBS and first in the SEC with three recovered fumbles last season, while also tying for the team lead with five INTs. His eight total takeaways were the most by a Vol since Deon Grant picked off nine passes in 1999.
 
Additionally, Waggner recorded 57 tackles, to rank fifth on the squad, along with nine passes defended, which was second among the Vols.
 
Tennessee opens up fall practice Tuesday, Aug. 2.