Apr 20, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans line up for autographs before the spring Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Vols lost a 2013 walk-on kicker today when Andrew Gantz announced via Twitter that he will be playing football at Cincinnati this fall.
I will now be playing football at The University of Cincinnati, I had to make the best decision for my family and myself #Bearcats #UC
— Andrew Gantz (@CoachGantz) June 2, 2013
Gantz likely decided to move on from Tennessee because the Vols offered a scholarship to Aaron Medley, who ended up committing to the Vols.
247Sports rates Gantz as a three-star kicker and the seventh rated kicker in the 2013 class. Gantz had developed a good relationship with Jones, while Butch was at Cincinnati. Gantz accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Vols on January 31.
The loss isn’t a major one for the Vols.
Michael Palardy, who’s been kicking more consistent this spring, was very likely going to the Vols kicker in 2013, regardless of Gantz’s decision.
As far as 2014 goes, Aaron Medley will probably be the Vols top option. You don’t offer a scholarship to a kicker, just to let him sit on the bench.
Former Vols kicker James Wilhoit told us shortly after Medley committed, that he believes Medley will push for the starting kicker job as a freshmen. WIlhoit added that Medley is more then capable of handling those duties.
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