WR Maples to transfer from UT

Wide receiver Tyler Maples will transfer from Tennessee.

Maples, a former Class 4A Mr. Football winner at Maryville High School, has been granted a release by UT coach Lane Kiffin, Maryville coach George Quarles confirmed Thursday.

Maples could not be reached for comment Thursday.

At Maryville, he helped the Rebels claim three consecutive Class 4A state championships and was named MVP of the BlueCross Bowl in 2006. Maples was one of three Knoxville-area players who signed with the Vols in 2007, joining former Austin-East star Anthony Anderson and Fulton’s Dennis Rogan, who started all 12 games last season for the Vols.

Maples redshirted in 2007 and made his only appearance in last year’s 34-3 victory over Mississippi State.

Maples’ departure marks the 11th player to either leave the program or be dismissed since Kiffin was introduced as UT’s coach Dec. 1. Of those 11, four players have left since spring practice ended April 18.

Quarterback B.J. Coleman, who announced Thursday he will attend Chattanooga, wide receiver Ahmad Paige, offensive lineman Darris Sawtelle also left the team after spring practice.

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

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!