Based upon his three seasons in Knoxville, Derek Barnett has forever embedded himself within the fabric of Tennessee’s rich and historic football tradition.

The junior defensive end recently announced his intention to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. This comes on the heels of a career in which he became the school’s all-time leader in sacks — besting a record previously set by iconic Hall of Fame player Reggie White.

On Wednesday, Barnett wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to both the university and Vol Nation. He looked back fondly during his time in college, and expressed immense appreciation for the fan base.

Here’s an except from the letter:

“I’d like to thank my teammates. The relationships I’ve built with them will last a lifetime. I’m very grateful to have been able to grow over these last few years with my brothers. Thank you to the University of Tennessee for the opportunity to be a student-athlete at a great institution. Thank you to all of my professors and the Thornton Center staff for helping me balance all that goes into becoming a successful student-athlete.

I’d also like to thank Vol Nation – the best fans in the country – who have supported me from Day One. Thank you to my family and close friends for being supportive of me and helping everything fall into place. Foregoing my senior year was a hard decision but it has always been my dream to play in the NFL. As I enter the next journey of my life, it’s most important to me that you know, all I’ve ever wanted to do was represent the Tennessee Football program and my home state of Tennessee well.

Thank you for the great times and many memories — and God Bless.”