While some Tennessee football supporters are still a little bummed out over the loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, it's easy to forget that several players are saying goodbye to the program. Yes, some are transferring, while others are entering the NFL Draft/are out of eligibility.
This is the case for veteran offensive lineman Dayne Davis, who arrived in Knoxville as a walk-on. Growing up, though, he dreamed of playing for the Vols and he didn't care that he wasn't on scholarship when he joined the team.
That's why saying goodbye is so hard for Davis, as playing for Josh Heupel meant the world to him. Davis made that much clear in his goodbye post to Vols nation, letting everyone know what his time on campus meant to him.
Thank you, Tennessee.
— Dayne Davis (@BigDayne_Davis) December 30, 2024
Thank you for giving a local boy all the little kid in him wanted…a shot to play for the Big Orange on Fall Saturdays in Neyland Stadium.
The memories and friendships I have made I will remember and cherish for a lifetime. So long for now, but VFL!
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Tennessee lineman Dayne Davis sent a heartwarming message to fans
Davis spent six campaigns with this team, earning a scholarship after the 2020 campaign. He went through some tough times with the program, but you already know the 10-win season in 2024 and the trip to the CFP was something he loved.
Again, this was a former walk-on who knew nothing was going to be handed to him. Despite that, Davis worked his tail off, ended up earning a scholarship and went on to play in 51 total games for Tennessee. That's quite the story he'll be able to tell family and friends for the rest of his life.
The replies to his goodbye to UT fans showcases plenty of people who are appreciative of what he was able to get done with the team. Things didn't end in style for Davis and the Vols this campaign, but the lineman wouldn't trade his time in Knoxville for anything. He was an easy guy to root for from start to finish during his Tennessee career.