No. 15 Vols benefit from Abernathy's big plays on defense

(AP) — Tennessee safety Micah Abernathy stopped playing offense once he arrived in college, but the former high school running back continues finding ways to get the ball in his hands.

Abernathy clinched Tennessee's season-opening overtime victory over Appalachian State by breaking up a fourth-down pass into the end zone.

Tennessee (2-0) had to break in two new starters at safety following the graduations of Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil, who combined for 89 career starts.

The mentality that has made Abernathy an effective defensive player was evident even as he rushed for over 1,500 yards while helping Greater Atlanta Christian reach a state final his senior year in high school.

Abernathy, the grandson of former civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy Sr., played both running back and cornerback in high school.

Jeff Williams, the NCAA associate director for media coordination and statistics, said Abernathy is the fourth player since 2014 to recover three fumbles in a single game.