Dec. 7, 2010
ATLANTA, Ga. – A pair of Vanderbilt junior standouts – tight end Brandon Barden and defensive back Casey Hayward – were named to the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team today.
Barden and Hayward, both products of central Georgia high schools, were honored as second team All-SEC recipients, according to the panel of sportwriters that cover the SEC.
Auburn dominated the AP ballot, sweeping the SEC Player of the Year Award (quarterback Cam Newton), Defensive Player of the Year Award (tackle Nick Fairley) and Coach of the Year Award (Gene Chizik). The only individual not won by an Auburn representative was Freshman of the Year honors that went to South Carolina running Marcus Lattimore.
Barden, from Lincolnton, Ga., topped the Commodores and ranked among the league’s best tight ends with 34 receptions, good for 425 yards and three touchdowns. He established new single-season highs in catches and receiving yards while starting all 12 games as a junior.
Barden also ranks as the Vanderbilt active career leader in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,001 yards) and touchdown catches (8). He was the only Commodore receiver to have a catch in every game this season.
Hayward, from Perry, Ga., was among the national leaders in two key statistical categories for defensive backs: interceptions and passes defended. Hayward’s six-interception total ranked second in the SEC – and tied for fifth in the NCAA. He was the SEC leader – and was tied for second in the nation – with 17 passes defended.