KNOXVILLE – Curt Maggitt won’t be returning for a sixth season at Tennessee.
The team’s defensive leader indicated in a post on his Instagram page on Saturday evening that he’s moving on from the Volunteers.
After missing the rest of the season after chipping a bone in his hip against Oklahoma in September, Maggitt had the option of pursuing an extra season of eligibility.
Though his return never seemed likely, his departure now appears to be official.
“The foundation is set,” the defensive end/linebacker wrote in his Instagram post. “Tennessee football is back Thank you so much for the memories the past 5 years Tennessee! I will truly miss everything about being a UT football player! I will always be a VFL (Vol for life)!”
Maggitt led the Vols in sacks (11) and earned All-SEC recognition in 2014 and was an SEC All-Freshman team pick in 2011. Injuries marred his career, however.
Minor issues forced him out of games in 2011 and 2012, and he tore his ACL against Missouri late in 2012, which caused him to sit out the entire 2013 season. Then he suffered his noncontact injury against the Sooners and spent more than two months on crutches.
“It’s been a different season, definitely,” Maggitt said last month. “I had high expectations for myself and the team as well. I’ve been through some very tough times through the season, but thanks to the coaching staff and my teammates (they’ve) been helping me through the tough times and allowing me to still be a big presence on the team.”
Maggitt took on an coaching role of sorts while sidelined this season.
“Curt has been there for his teammates the entire time,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said last week after an Outback Bowl practice, “and that to me is huge.
“I’m out here today and he’s coaching those guys. He’s coaching them in drills. He’s coaching them when we’re going against the offense and our scout team. He’s been an incredible spirit for those guys, and I know they respect him, they listen to him and Curt’s got a lot of influence and a lot of power.
“In terms of his play, boy, we certainly missed that, but he has been there for his teammates the entire season.”
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.