KNOXVILLE -- Jalen Reeves-Maybin is coming back for one more season as the heart of Tennessee's defense.
The linebacker announced late Tuesday morning on his Twitter account that he will return to the Volunteers next season instead of entering the NFL draft.
"As you all know, I have been challenged with making one of the hardest decisions in my life in deciding whether to pursue a dream of mine and enter the NFL draft or to return to school for my final year," Reeves-Maybin wrote.
"After MUCH evaluation with the people closest to me, I have finally made a decision. The truth of the matter is, my biggest childhood dream was to be a GREAT college football player. Yea I've had a good career, but I was taught as a kid, 'good is the enemy of great.'
"With that being said, my only focus for this season is to be GREAT in everything I engage in on and off the field. So y'all got me for one more season and it will be nothing short of greatness."
Reeves-Maybin led Tennessee in tackles in each of the past seasons.
In 2015 he had 105 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, and his return is key as Tennessee adjusts to a new defensive coordinator in Bob Shoop.
Reeves-Maybin was one of three Tennessee players to request their draft grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, and the Vols are awaiting a decision from cornerback Cameron Sutton and running back Alvin Kamara.
Players have until Monday to enter the draft.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.