Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley gave DeAnthony Arnett what he wanted, and the talented freshman wide receiver wasted little time making up his mind.
Arnett, just one day after receiving a release from his scholarship to attend any school in the state of Michigan, will transfer to Michigan State, Arnett's brother, Ralph, confirmed to the News Sentinel late Wednesday night. The paperwork for his release was completed Tuesday, and Arnett expects to be in classes at his new school next week, his brother said.
Arnett, who said he wanted to attend a school closer to his Saginaw, Mich., home because of his ill father, will apply for an NCAA hardship waiver in hopes of being eligible to play for the Spartans in 2012.
Arnett's quick decision brings finality to an ordeal that was briefly contentious.
Initially, Dooley, citing school policy, would only grant Arnett a release to schools that did not recruit or compete against the Vols, therby eliminating schools such as Michigan State or Michigan. On Tuesday, in his first meeting with reporters since the Vols' season-ending loss to Kentucky on Nov. 26, Dooley said the restriction was merely a parameter before he was able to further investigate the issue.
"There was a lot of confusion on what had happened there and that's why I just wanted to clear that up," Dooley said. "I'm really supportive of DeAnthony. He has a great future as a person and as a player. He's been very mature through this thing during a tough time and an emotional time. Once we started the one-on-one dialogue, it's been very comforting for both of us. I'm wishing him well there when that time comes."
Considered one of the Vols' top-rated signees for the class of 2011, Arnett started once and saw playing time in all 12 games this past season. His 24 receptions tied for the second-most by a freshman in program history. He finished with 242 receiving yards, a total that ranked fifth on the team, and two touchdowns.
Michigan State's campus in East Lansing, Mich., is less than 70 miles from Arnett's hometown. The Spartans were heavily in the mix for Arnett's signature in 2011 but were eliminated when he committed to UT three months before National Signing Day.
"I will have to move forward with my life at a new university in order to complete my duties to the man up above. My family does and will always come first," Arnett wrote in an e-mail to certain media members Tuesday. "If I did not have issues with my family, you could guarantee that I would continue to be a Vol.''
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Comments » 92
OrangeDew writes:
Does he not have to attend the spring semester at UT, according to NCAA rules, since he signed his LOI in Feb.? Otherwise he could lose another year of eligibility. Would a waiver take care of this also?
mattnchatt writes:
It will definitely suck seeing Arnett wearing a Spartan uniform. Very talented and is going to be a solid receiver next year. Good luck to him and his family.
GO VOLS.
BolivrBob writes:
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
BolivrBob writes:
Kevin Steele may be a UT guy, but I hope he isn't the one
MarbleCitySon writes:
So glad the sweet child got exactly what he wanted.......
Ironcity writes:
Clemson doesn't stop many teams. I would think most Clemson fans will be happy he is gone. Lets hold out for Shannon. As for Arnett, I to thought he had to complete a year to get a hardship. Might mean he has to redshirt next year.
HtownVol writes:
Does this show what the temper-tantrum was about?
cloudodust writes:
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. Back to the Rust Belt has to be a highlight. Hey Saginaw, when's the parade..?
volaholic45 writes:
ESL, I hope.
fearthehound writes:
Guess he should have gone to MSU all along. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get do-overs in life? Is UT short one scholly next year (not sure how it works)? If so, I guess the team picks up the expense for his mistake--thanks Arnette.
willblitz4bacon writes:
Who gives a flip!!!!!!
Orange_Pants_Buy_One_Get_One_Free writes:
And folks in Saginaw reply:
Hey Knoxville, how was that bowl game? Oh wait.....Been robbed at a Pilot station lately? Anyone beaten outside a bar by the football team lately?
At least the kid will play for a team that wins. And one that beats UGA.
pcorange writes:
Good place for him. He's a dirt bag in my opinion.
PANCHO writes:
I guess being "close" to his ailing father wasn't his main priority, otherwise he would be attending college in his hometown. I guess telling the truth is not one of his assets.
VolOrange27 writes:
Glad to see Arnett get his release, too much bad PR was being generated over a player most likely not worth it. We still have Rogers (for now), Hunter, and Dallas coming back. Plus Drae Bowels(?) and Alton Howard coming in.
TommyJack writes:
Smart kid. Played UT like a fine stradivarius.
osbymartin75 writes:
I agree..63 points in 40 mins...as bad as weve looked in games we havent given up that many to anyone..in fact we have only given up over 60 one time ever..1995
drum56 writes:
Good Luck DeAnthony!
TheRealDragonSlayer writes:
Agreed. He goes from getting the release to signing with a school within 72 hours. Clearly there were discussions with MSU ahead of time. There is no other way that a school like MSU makes such a quick decision on him.
Oh well. We have to just move on.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
me too, Clemson Defense sucks!
underthehill writes:
Is he the DC at Clemson who is getting beat by W Va 63 -26 with 11 min. left..??
1963VOLS writes:
could it be these clemson kids heard he was coming to ut?HMMMM
1963VOLS writes:
You people on here don't know alot about kevin steele need to do youir homework and think what has happened look at LSU offensive commits jumping ship rumor is oc going to ohio state with meyer his old bud.
1963VOLS writes:
These kids hear one of there coaches are leaving and they just lay down example clemson defense,watch and see if alabama don't beat the phooey out of lsu.
1963VOLS writes:
i was wrong urban hired tim hermin from iowa or iowa state.sorry fellow vol fans but i will admit whem i'm wrong
oldster writes:
What do you want to bet that Michigan State announces Charlie Baggett being named as receiver's coach within the month?
oldster writes:
And folks in Knoxville respond: How do you like the several feet of snow and the additional 30 to 60 days of miserable weather that you get each year over what we get here. How do you like unemployment that is significantly higher there than here. Basically, how do you enjoy living close to Hell (there is a Hell, Michigan you know).
SGTSpurge writes:
And it freezes over EVERY year... .
BR_549 writes:
Doofus DooLeave played liked a fiddle
BR_549 writes:
If his defense gave up 70 to WVU then Ark would get 90. Since UT doesn't play them look for Alabummer to run up about 80, VU 75 and KY with a real QB the same if he comes here..
vollaw writes:
Sorry, but UGA beat UGA, not MSU. Both MSU and UM were whipped on the field and were extremely lucky to come out ahead on the scoreboard.
BamaVol writes:
On the good side of things, We got McCullers today. 6'5" 340 lb DT.
Shannon is the next DC, It will be released by Monday.
SpiralBound writes:
Although the circumstances appear fishy on the surface, I pray for Deanthony and his family. I was 19 when my father fell ill and I was 1,000 miles from home. I, too, dropped everything I was involved in and left for home. Granted, I'm 10 years older now and "coulda-woulda-shoulda" taken advantage of where I was and TRULY put my father's illness in the hands of God.
Deanthony, you aren't any less of a man because you're making the decision to leave my beloved Volunteers. Trust in God that He will help your father and, MOST OF ALL, keep family first. They're the ONLY team worth dying for.
DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho writes:
RockyTopTalk is reporting (via Jimmy Hyams) that Steele will be UT's next DC.
Watch his contract. If he has four years guaranteed, it's a safe bet that Hart just hired Dooley's replacement.
DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho writes:
Yeaaah, ignore that. That's an old article. Someone said Dooley was talking to Steele. I googled "Kevin Steele Volunteers" and an old 2010 article popped up. I got excited at the prospect of having another UT guy back in the fold.
Maybe it WILL happen, but Volquest and Jimmy Hyams aren't saying anything about it.
seadaddy writes:
And folks on govosxtra reply:
Hey Lady Gaga is that you looking for attention?
You must not have much of a life than to hang around a site that you dislike
But again just look at your user name....it tell other readers a lot about you and makes you look like a...(fill in blank).
You must be a simple minded little person with no real life,try dating cause you really seem like a lonely person who has to try and put others down to make yourself look like a bigger person than what you really are...
Are you married,have kids,I bet your family is really proud of you for trolling on this site,trying to make fun of and hurting other people with your words while hiding behind a computer screen.
Go away troll,play somewhere else,I think I hear someone call you.....
gc_scvol writes:
Your boyfriend should take his belt off to you, no wait, you like that. You poor pathetic, miserable, little child
Sir_Spanky writes:
Closer to home my rear end.
And since some of you are talking about Steele. Didn't have a dog in the fight but I'm glad last night played out like it did. Showed we don't need to be looking at a DC or any other coach from Clemson. Lots of talent but you never know if they're going to thrash somebody or get thrashed.
Classof72 writes:
He'll need a nice car so he can commute frequently from East Lansing to Saginaw to spend lots of time with his seriously ill father. He's very close to his father. That's why he wants to go to MSU. Bruce Pearl got a 'show-cause' for a better story than this. Who makes this stuff up?
seaplane#216536 writes:
And you don't think this wasn't cookin' before hand?
bigmj writes:
Glad I am not the only one who does not care...could care less about the kid or his family.
He is not a Vol, so lets quit posting stories about him.
jimr07 writes:
Thank you DeAnthony.... you gave KNS at least a weeks worth of UT bashing... they will not let it rest until something else comes along..I know the KNS staff appreciates it..
oldster writes:
You know, when I was in the Air Force and stationed in the Philippines, the father of a friend of mine died, leaving his ailing mother all alone (he was, to the best of my recollection, an only child).The Air Force granted him leave to go home for the funeral. However, he had to return to the Philippines for the remainder of his scheduled tour. I guess he should have started an ad campaign against those heartless brass hats that did not transfer him close to home. Well, that was back when young men did not expect to get everything they wanted.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Exactly what Coach D was trying to teach (no do overs in life) instead he yielded to the problem...Entitlement
seaplane#216536 writes:
There's a new movie out starring DeAnthony Arnett. It's called "The Arrangement"
CincyOhVol writes:
This has nothing to do with his father or wanting to be closer to home.
This has to do with Da'Rick and Justin being 1 and 2 and Arnett #3.
Michigan State lost their top 2 WRs (Cunningham and Martin) and top TE (Linthicum)to graduation. This has everything to do with Anett being a prima donna.
jimr07 writes:
You hit the nail on the head.. so right.
MarbleCitySon writes:
I don't think it........I'm sure of it.
rtrchatt writes:
DA just went from one Saban asst turned HC to another. Good luck young manand sometimes in life you do get a do over.....
lomas98 writes:
Dooley kept mentioning roster issues during his press conference earlier in the week and he will address those next week. I assume there is going to be even further attrition with other guys leaving or grade problems, etc??? There were 4 guys suspended for KY, I guess we will find out if they are still on the team.
As far as Steele, everyone loved him before the game last night. Don't base everything off one bowl game.
Arnett got what he wanted. Dooley got what he wanted in the PR move with the positive letter. Too bad we can't get an extra scholarship from MSU. The attrition that happens every year at all schools is even worse for TN due to lack of quality depth.
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