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Offensive line returns four lineman who started 14 games

Tennessee's offensive line got about a 630-pound boost Thursday afternoon.

Junior offensive guard Anthony Parker and junior offensive tackle Ramon Foster announced that they will remain at Tennessee for their senior seasons after submitting paperwork to the NFL's college advisory committee.

Tailback Arian Foster, the only other player considering an early jump to the NFL, has yet to announce his decision after receiving a second-round grade from the NFL's advisory committee.

Arian Foster was on his way to Knoxville on Thursday, UT running backs coach Stan Drayton said.

Junior punter Britton Colquitt, who also submitted paperwork to the NFL, did not attend Thursday's press conference but said he will remain at Tennessee.

Parker, who received a fourth- to fifth-round grade after being named first-team All-SEC and a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, said he wants to stay in hopes of accomplishing team and individual goals, including finishing his degree.

"I think at the end of the decision, I came to the conclusion of coming back to school to finish up my last year so that I could finish all my goals that I have set for myself," Parker said. "As close as I am, I just couldn't walk away from not finishing them."

Parker has six hours left to finish a double major in political science and sociology.

Ramon Foster is 18 hours from earning his degree in sociology.

With Ramon Foster and Parker coming back, Tennessee will have four linemen who started all 14 games this past season.

Sophomore Jacques McClendon started UT's final six games at guard.

That group helped Tennessee lead the nation in fewest sacks allowed with only four in 14 games.

"I think we have one of the smartest offensive lines in the country due to coaching and that we know what's going on," Parker said. "That's a positive also."

Junior linebacker Jerod Mayo announced Wednesday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter April's NFL draft.

Postseason Games: Five Vols will play in postseason all-star games, beginning with safety Jonathan Hefney's appearance in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 19.

On Jan. 26, tight end Brad Cottam will play in the Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

On Feb. 2, tight end Chris Brown and defensive ends Antonio Reynolds and Xavier Mitchell will play in the Texas vs. the Nation Collegiate All-Star Game in El Paso.

Four Combine Invites: Quarterback Erik Ainge and three other players will take part in the NFL combine Feb. 21-24 in Indianapolis.

Also invited to work out for NFL scouts are offensive lineman Eric Young, as well as Hefney and Cottam.

Tennessee will also hold a pro day for NFL coaches and scouts this spring.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

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