Just over two weeks ago, it was reported that Tyler Bray was leaving Tennessee a year early for the NFL. While the school never officially confirmed the quarterback’s departure, it appears the Vols will indeed have a new player under center to go along with a new head coach.
By way of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Bray’s father Jeff told a Knoxville radio host today that his son has signed with NFL agent Don Yee. That move means Bray’s UT career has officially come to an end.
Why the school has yet to officially acknowledge Bray’s departure is unclear.
Bray is a true junior, and has started 24 games his first three seasons in Knoxville. The four-star member of the Vols’ 2010 recruiting class is coming off his best season, totaling career highs in yards (3,612) and touchdown passes (34) as well interceptions (12). The News Sentinel writes that “Bray would leave Tennessee in fourth place all-time in passing touchdowns (69) and passing yards (7,444) and fifth in pass completions (540).”
With 11 days left until the deadline for underclassmen to declare, Bray is the lone quarterback to make the early leap into a draft pool that’s very shallow at his position at the moment.
UT wide receiver Justin Hunter announced via Twitter last month that he’s leaving early for the NFL. Fellow receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is expected to do the same, although that’s yet to be officially announced as well.
