Following a breakout freshman campaign, Tennessee sophomore catcher Ethan Bennett has been named to the College Baseball Daily Preseason All-SEC Second Team, the website announced Tuesday.

The Knoxville native was rated as the second-best catcher in the conference behind only reigning SEC Player of the Year Mike Zunino of Florida.

Bennett played in 40 games for the Vols last season, starting 29 behind the plate and eight at designated hitter. He launched a team-leading seven home runs while hitting at a .262 clip with 25 RBIs.

Tennessee will open the 2012 campaign Feb. 17-19 when it hosts a three-game set against Northern Illinois at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Season tickets and 20-game flex plans now on sale. Single-game tickets go on sale Feb. 1.