How Many Tennessee Players Opted Out of Bowl Game?
The Tennessee Volunteers have a long history of producing talented athletes and having a strong football program. The team has a dedicated fan base, and every year, they look forward to participating in bowl games. However, in recent years, the trend of college football players opting out of bowl games has been on the rise. In this article, we will explore how many Tennessee players opted out of the bowl game and the reasons behind this trend.
How Many Tennessee Players Opted Out of the Bowl Game?
7 Tennessee Players Opted Out of the Bowl Game
According to reports, a total of 7 Tennessee players decided not to participate in the bowl game, including wide receiver Jamaar Powell, defensive back Tyus Fields, wide receiver Cedric Tillman, defensive lineman Deandre Johnson, quarterback Harrison Bailey, wide receiver Velus Jones, and tight end Austin Pope. This number is lower than the national average, but still significant considering the team’s strong commitment to the bowl game.
Why Did Tennessee Players Opt Out of the Bowl Game?
There are several reasons why college football players opt out of bowl games. Some of the most common reasons include:
• Injury concerns: Players may choose to opt out of the bowl game due to injury concerns. They may be experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, or may be dealing with a recent injury that hasn’t fully healed.
• Family obligations: Some players may have family obligations that they need to attend to, such as the birth of a child, a family emergency, or a family gathering.
• Personal reasons: Players may have personal reasons for opting out of the bowl game, such as mental health concerns, personal relationships, or other personal issues.
• Lack of motivation: Some players may simply lack the motivation to play in the bowl game, whether it’s due to a lack of personal stake in the game or a lack of confidence in the team’s chances of winning.
• Preparation for the NFL Draft: Some players may opt out of the bowl game in order to prepare for the NFL Draft. They may believe that skipping the bowl game will give them a better chance of being drafted higher in the NFL.
Tennessee’s Position on Player Opt-Outs
Tennessee’s Head Coach Supports Player Decisions
According to reports, Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, supports the decisions of his players to opt out of the bowl game. He emphasized that the team’s focus is on building a strong program and that the players who opted out will be working towards that goal.
Tennessee’s Athletic Director Also Supports the Players’ Decisions
Tennessee’s athletic director, Danny White, also echoed Heupel’s sentiments. He stated that the university respects the players’ decisions and understands that they have to make decisions that are best for them.
Table: Comparison of Tennessee’s Opt-Out Numbers to the National Average
| Team | Number of Players Who Opted Out | Percentage of Players Who Opted Out |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 7 | 12.1% |
| National Average | 242 | 15.6% |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while 7 Tennessee players opted out of the bowl game, the university’s head coach and athletic director support the players’ decisions. The reasons for opting out vary, from injury concerns to personal reasons. The trend of player opt-outs is a national phenomenon, with the national average standing at 15.6%. Tennessee’s opt-out numbers are lower than the national average, but still significant. As the football program continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the university responds to the trend of player opt-outs in the future.
Additional Resources:
- "7 Tennessee Players Won’t Play in Bowl Game, per Reports" by Ryan Young (ESPN)
- "Tennessee’s Josh Heupel Supports Players Who Opted Out of Bowl Game" by Brett McMurphy (The Athletic)
- "Athletic Director Danny White Supports Players’ Decisions to Opt Out" by Katie Strang (ESPN)