Departing Tennessee players issue heartfelt messages to Vol Nation
The absurdity on Rocky Top continues as each day seems to bring something new and bizarre to Vol Nation.
On Wednesday, it was the predictable mass exodus of players to the NCAA transfer portal following Jeremy Pruitt’s firing in Knoxville.
While Tennessee fans were holding out hope that interim coach Kevin Steele could convince players to stay in Knoxville, linebacker Henry To’o To’o, running back Eric Gray, linebacker Quavaris Crouch and offensive lineman Jahmir Johnson all entered the transfer database.
These decisions come after starting offensive tackle Wanya Morris left Tennessee for Oklahoma, who entered the portal last week.
Entering the transfer portal does not guarantee a player won’t be returning to their original school, they still have the option of returning, but based on statements issued by some of these players, it doesn’t sound like they have plans to return to Tennessee in 2021:
Here is the statement issued by Henry To’o To’o on Wednesday evening:
THANK YOU. This is not goodbye, at all. Being a Vol will always have a special place in my heart ! And I mean that. My brothers and I gave us your all everyday , home sweet home to me ! ✊? pic.twitter.com/zXboJwdsf8
— 10 (@HenryTootoo1) January 21, 2021
Here is the statement issued by Eric Gray soon after:
Vol Nation. I love you guys . You have been unbelievably supportive. Tennessee will forever be my home. You are the best fans in the country and I just want to say THANK YOU for giving the young kid out of Memphis an opportunity to play at the next level. You are my FAMILY ?✊? pic.twitter.com/YLRpLrns6G
— ERIC GRAY (@1ericgray) January 21, 2021