While the narrative out there from some may be that Tennessee doesn’t have any playmakers left on the roster and the Vols don’t have anything to play for this season, good luck telling that to senior Alontae Taylor.

The Tennessee native committed to play for the Volunteers during the Butch Jones era and was one of the few recruits that made the decision to stick with the program following the long coaching search that finally ended with the hire of Jeremy Pruitt in Knoxville.

Now following yet another coaching change on Rocky Top, Taylor has emerged as a team leader and one of Tennessee’s representatives for 2021 SEC Media Days.

During his appearance from Hoover, Taylor was asked to explain why he never considered leaving Tennessee this offseason.

“Tennessee is home to me. I wanted to represent my state so I didn’t want to touch the transfer portal or look into anywhere else. This is where I’m supposed to be. Being a leader on this team and at this university was huge to me.”