KNOXVILLE -- Star running back Jalen Hurd's decision to leave Tennessee with four regular-season games remaining came as a surprise to many and registered on a national level.
The Volunteers appear to have moved on already and turned their focus to the next game.
The four players who spoke to the media on Tuesday made similar comments about Hurd, who told some of his teammates on Sunday night he was going to transfer and play a different position.
"He just parted ways with us, and we wish him the best," defensive end Derek Barnett said. "He did a lot for us, but I mean, that's just one player. It's not going to ruin a team. We had a good work day yesterday and we're excited to play this week."
It's still unclear what Hurd's next step will be. If he transfers, he'd likely have to sit out a year unless he went to an FCS program, where he'd be able to play immediately. He could wind up declaring for the NFL draft, though where his stock currently stands is anybody's guess.
Playing a different position would be a peculiar choice because two of Hurd's strengths as a running back -- his pass protection skills and receiving ability -- translate to the NFL.
Hurd's next step isn't a concern for his now-former teammates.
"We wish him the best, for sure," quarterback Josh Dobbs said. "It was obviously upsetting, but my focus is on the guys that are here, the guys that are here to make an impact to help us finish out the season strong. We need guys to lock in, focus and try to win this week and continue to move forward."
From his recruiting status as a five-star in-state prospect to his production the previous two-plus seasons, Hurd certainly helped the Vols move forward. He ran for nearly 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 67 passes for 492 yards and six more scores in 33 career games. He became a star with the Vols.
"We heard right after the team meeting, and I guess we were surprised," left tackle Brett Kendrick said, "but you know, Jalen did all he could for us while he was here. Obviously he was huge for us last year and to start this year, but we're just going to move on with the guys we have.
"We thank him for all he did for us, and we're ready to keep on winning."
Hurd is the 12th player from Tennessee's touted 2014 signing class, which includes Barnett and safety Todd Kelly Jr., to leave the program prior to completing their eligibility.
By far he is the most high-profile departure of a group that includes receiver Vic Wharton (transferred to California), defensive end Dewayne Hendrix (Pittsburgh), tight end Daniel Helm (Duke), cornerback D'Andre Payne (Iowa State), running back Derrell Scott (East Carolina) and defensive tackle Michael Sawyers.
"You never know what's going to happen," Kelly said. "I signed my letter of intent for me to come here and play football at the University of Tennessee. I didn't know who else was going to come with me, or who was going to leave. I'm still here, I'm a Tennessee Volunteer and whatever happens happens, but I give my all for Tennessee every day.
"Things are going to happen, but I'm just going to stay focused on the team."
The on-field impact of Hurd's departure could be minimal. SEC Network analyst Greg McElroy said Monday Hurd was the third-best running back on Tennessee's roster behind Alvin Kamara and John Kelly. Those two are averaging 4.9 and 6.3 yards per carry this season, combined to just 3.7 for Hurd.
Kamara won't play against Tennessee Tech on Saturday and could return against Kentucky, so Kelly will have the chance to add to his 89- and 94-yard games against Texas A&M and South Carolina.
"I think it suits them well," left tackle Brett Kendrick said. "They're a little bit smaller guys and quicker. They make some really good cuts in the hole, but you know, Jalen did a great job for us while he was here.
"We love him and wish him the best, but we're ready to move on with A.K. and J.K. and we're really excited about what they bring to the table."
Hurd's departure got the Vols' week off to an odd start, but the players insisted it quickly became business as usual.
"When you lose a guy, you kind of have to move on," Kelly said. "You don't pout about it or whine about it. You realize that you have so many guys on your team to counteract that that you come together as one and move on. When you stick together as a team, you can fight through anything.
"With that being said, we're going to move on, focus on this week and play a great ball game."
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.