John Fulkerson is returning to Rocky Top.

The way the Tennessee native tells it, the opportunity at one more season with the Volunteers was simply too much to pass on. Fulkerson had this option thanks to the NCAA allowing all players a free season of eligibility if they desired due to COVID.

Fulkerson has started 55 of the 56 games he’s seen action in spanning the previous two seasons and projects as a starter once again next season for the Vols.

His season, unfortunately, came to an end in the SEC Tournament after receiving a vicious elbow to the face from Florida’s Omar Payne. Fulkerson could not suit up the rest of the conference or NCAA Tournament after suffering the injury to his face.

Now, however, he’ll have one more opportunity to end his Tennessee career on the right note as the Vols project to be one of the SEC’s best teams next season.

Here is the incredibly touching video Fulkerson released to announce his return for another season:

https://twitter.com/fulkerson_john/status/1383080281943379969?s=20