Arron Sears is expected to announce today he'll return to the University of Tennessee for his senior football season.

The Vols had a team meeting late Tuesday night and Sears was in attendance.

The 6-foot-4, 338-pound lineman from Russellville, Ala., was one of several Vols' juniors who requested pre-draft analysis from the National Football League.

Sears, UT's only first-team All-SEC selection from a 5-6 2005 season, will be one of several Vols' available for a media opportunity 6 p.m. today at Thompson-Boling Arena.

One source close to the program said it was obviously a positive sign for Sears to be at the meeting.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for early entry into the NFL draft is Saturday.

Defensive linemen Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, Tony McDaniel and fullback Cory Anderson also are expected to be available today to discuss their decisions to return to UT.

Offensive guard Rob Smith already has announced he will forgo his senior season to test the NFL market.

Sears' versatility and experience is expected to be key among a young, inexperienced offensive line next season.

He played every offensive line position except center in UT's overtime victory at LSU.

Sears made nine starts at left tackle, one at right guard and one at left guard during the 2005 season.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, who spent the past few days in Dallas for the NCAA coaches convention, said he's close to naming his final assistant.

"I've interviewed several quality candidates and an announcement should be coming soon," Fulmer said.

The Vols are still searching for a replacement of fired receivers coach Pat Washington, now at Kansas State.

It's possible running backs coach Trooper Taylor could move to receivers coach and the Vols would bring in a running backs coach.