Unless he changes his mind in the next two weeks, Rob Smith will not be back for his senior season with the Tennessee football team.

The junior offensive guard told UT coach Phillip Fulmer he plans to enter his name in the NFL draft in April.

"Rob has indicated that's what he's thinking at this point," Fulmer said Tuesday night. "He still has to kick it around a little bit and talk with some of the other guys on the team, but indications are right now that's what he's thinking."

The deadline for officially declaring for the draft is Jan. 15.

"Nothing is official until then," Fulmer said. "I would think in Rob's case it would behoove him to stay in school and finish -- I think he only lacks one course.

"But I support whatever he's thinking and whatever he wants to do."

Smith (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) was one of the most versatile linemen for the Vols this season, starting at center against UAB and Ole Miss in place of injured Richie Gandy.

The Fort Thomas, Ky., native saw action in nine games as a true freshman, redshirted in 2003 and started every game in 2004 and this past season.

Several other Vols' underclassmen still are weighing their options, including Arron Sears, Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, Tony McDaniel and Cory Anderson.

Fulmer has indicated in the past he believes all those players will be back next season and said Tuesday night he had no indications of anything to make him feel differently.