It had previously been reported that three members of Tennessee’s 2012 offense -- quarterback Tyler Bray and wide receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson (pictured) -- would be leaving the Vols early for the NFL.
As it turns out, the total’s actually four.
In a press release, UT confirmed that trio, along with defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore, have informed new head coach Butch Jones that they intend to declare for the 2013 NFL Draft and relinquish their final year of college eligibility.
Bray has started 24 games the past three seasons, and leaves the Vols in fourth place all-time in passing touchdowns (69) and passing yards (7,444) and fifth in pass completions (540). His father confirmed earlier this month that his son had already signed with an agent, precluding any type of return to Knoxville.
Hunter and Patterson were 1-2 in receptions and receiving yards this season, the first year the latter had been part of the Vols. Hunter announced via Twitter last month that he was headed to the draft.
The only “surprise” among the four is Sentimore. The lineman started nine of the 12 games he played this season, and was credited with four sacks and five tackles for loss.
