One of Tennessee’s best offensive lineman has decided not to return to Knoxville for a final season.

Cade Mays, a standout at right tackle for the Volunteers, made the announcement via social media on Saturday that he would be pursuing an NFL career.

He thanked his family, teammates and coaches, and Volunteers fans for his experience at Tennessee.

Mays was unable to play in Tennessee’s Music City Bowl loss to Purdue on Thursday because of ongoing ankle issues.

The 6-6, 325-pound native of Knoxville started his career at Georgia before transferring home.

Injury issues plagued Mays for much of the 2021 season but when he was available he was one of Tennessee’s most reliable offensive linemen.

The Volunteers finished the 2021 season 7-6 in Josh Heupel’s 1st season.