University of Tennessee quarterback Jim Bob Cooter waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday and will let a Knox County grand jury decide whether to indict on a DUI charge.

Cooter was arrested on June 3 for driving under the influence near the UT campus. He recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.19 and failed three field-sobriety tests.

Rather than plead guilty in Knox County General Sessions Court, Cooter will wait and see if a grand jury issues an indictment.

"We just waived the case to the grand jury and they will consider whether to indict him or not," said Jeff Hagood, Cooter's attorney. "The case will resolve itself one way or the other.

"Whatever that result is, whatever that punishment is or isn't, it won't be nearly as tough as Jim Bob's punished himself.

"He's just a terrific young man. The guy is a Presidential Scholar, a walk-on football player and kind of a cult hero. He'll punish himself plenty enough and we'll see what happens."

Cooter, 22, is a graduate student and three-time All-SEC Academic selection. He has appeared in three games.

Hagood said the grand jury will consider Cooter's case in the next several months.