Vols Football: Michael Sawyers Dismissed, Wharton and Jenkins Looking Elsewhere

Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones talks with the media following the game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29-21. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones addressed the media at 4 Pm Wednesday afternoon to talk about the recruiting class he and his staff just wrapped up on National Signing Day. Amid all the praises for the class and his staff, Jones provided some information on the future of some current Vols.

Butch Jones stated during his press conference that defensive tackle Michael Sawyers, a former four-star recruit, has been dismissed from the program due to “a violation of team rules.” Jones did not specify beyond that, however.

Rumors that wide receivers Vic Wharton and Ryan Jenkins have been thinking of transferring were confirmed by Jones today as well. Jones said the two receivers have “asked to explore other options” right now and that he will update everyone when he knows more information.

Jones also offered up injury updates on some of the newest Vols. Defensive end Kyle Phillips and linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., early enrollees in the 2015 recruiting class, will miss spring practices because of injuries. No returning Vol players are expected to miss practices due to injury, however.

Offensive Coordinator Search

Butch Jones didn’t name a new offensive coordinator at today’s press conference, but he did provide a bit of an update on the search.

Jones said that the search is ongoing but that he hopes to name a new offensive coordinator “by the end of the week.” Jones failed to give any names of the candidates, but the odds-on favorite to land the job is still Mike DeBord.