Head coach Butch Jones announced Monday that three freshman Tennessee Volunteers have decided to transfer. Jones confirmed Sunday that tight end Daniel Helm, defensive end Dewayne Hendrix and Derrell Scott have all decided to finish their collegiate careers elsewhere. Each of the three players were four-star recruits as part of the Volunteers seventh ranked recruiting class, and saw significant playing time during the 2014 season.
Most of the players, however, played in limited capacity clearly not what they had hoped entering the season. Helm saw action in all 12 of the team’s games catching 6 passes for 37 yards in the process. On the other hand, Scott played in just two games rushing 11 times for 40 yards. Finally, Hendrix participated in seven contests, but only made two tackles.
“We thank them for everything they have given to Tennessee and wish them the best moving forward,” said Jones.
There have been no further indications as to why the three decided to leave the program; however, one would have to assume it’s related to their lack of playing. In the meanwhile, it remains unclear where the three hope to play next season, but the group should have a plethora of offers from top schools for their services. Both Hendrix and Helm are natives of Illinois and could return to their home states. Likewise, Scott has plenty of options close to his hometown in North Carolina.
The news comes as a major hit as Tennessee aims to wrap up their 2014 campaign on a high note against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Taxslayer Bowl. The Volunteers had a rather up and down season, but come into the match up against the Hawkeyes having won three of their last four games.
*Section Photo credit to Joe Robbins, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Jim Brown, USA Today Sports.
