Entering Saturday night's game against South Carolina, freshman Eric Berry had shown flashes of his potential as a defensive back for UT this season.

Last week's performance in a win over the Gamecocks, however, may have been the safety's coming out party.

The Vols jumped out to a 21-0 lead at halftime, and Berry had a hand in setting up each of the first two scores for the Vols.

With the score tied at zero, South Carolina appeared to be finding a rhythm on its second offensive possession until DeAngelo Willingham forced a fumble at the Tennessee 44-yard line.

Berry scooped up the loose ball and weaved his way through the Gamecocks, returning the ball 52 yards to the South Carolina four-yard line.

Three plays later Arian Foster found the end zone to give the Vols a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

It would not take long for Berry to strike again as he intercepted Chris Smelley's pass on the opening play of the second quarter and returned the ball 13 yards to the South Carolina 44-yard line.

The interception set up Montario Hardesty's touchdown run from three yards out as the Vols jumped out to a 14-0 lead.

Berry's intensity and knack for making big time plays on defense have caused many to wonder whether the Vols should use his talents on offense and special teams as well.

"There's always consideration about that, especially with an athlete like him, and that may happen later on this season," UT defensive backs' coach Larry Slade said. "It's Coach Fulmer's call." "Eric is still learning the safety position." Larry Slade, UT defensive' backs coach

Berry finished the game with 12 tackles and provided a much needed spark to the Volunteer defense which gave up 501 yards during the game.

It was the third time this season that the Volunteers have allowed an opponent to gain 500 yards of total offense, with the other two contests ending in blowout losses to Florida and Alabama.

While the defense struggled in the second half Berry did not, tallying eight of his 12 tackles in the final two quarters.

Slade attributes Berry's success to the freshman's demeanor.

"I think it is how Eric perceives himself. He believes in himself, he thinks he is a good player, he practices that way, and it comes through in the games," said Slade. "He just loves the game and plays with great intensity.

This season Berry has piled up 45 total tackles, good for fifth on the team.

He has two interceptions and a fumble recovery on the year, and he has racked up 161 return yards and a touchdown on those three turnovers.

For his game-changing performance in UT's 27-24 overtime win over South Carolina, Eric Berry is the Tennessee Journalist's Vol Athlete of the Week.

Tom Allen is a sports reporter for the Tennessee Journalist. His editor, Cliff Chartrand, can be reached at sports@tnjn.com. Questions and comments are always welcome.