The Tennessee Volunteers used four quarterbacks on their way to a 3-7 season in 2020.
Half of them have decided not to stick around for 2021.
Redshirt sophomore J.T. Shrout, who played in each of Tennessee's final three games against Florida, Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, entered the NCAA transfer portal Tuesday and plans to play his final three season elsewhere. Shrout's decision follows that of fifth-year senior Jarrett Guarantano, who entered the portal within an hour of Saturday's 34-13 loss to Texas A&M inside Neyland Stadium.
"To my past and current teammates, I love and appreciate you guys," Shrout posted on Twitter. "I will miss every one of you. You guys have become my brothers, and I wouldn't have wanted to shed the blood, sweat and tears with anyone else. Thank you for the great memories we have made together on and off the field.
"After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore all my options moving forward for the next three years."
All college football players this season were granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA as a result of the coronavirus.
Shrout's first pass attempt this season resulted in an interception during the 34-7 loss to visiting Kentucky on Oct. 17. The 6-foot-3, 213-pounder from Santa Clara, California, didn't return to action until Dec. 5 against Florida, when he replaced freshman Harrison Bailey in the fourth quarter and completed 12 of 14 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.
"Obviously the Kentucky game wasn't the outcome I wanted," Shrout said after the loss to the Gators. "I just stayed the course and prepared the same way as if I was going to be the starter."
Shrout completed 24 of 41 passes for 315 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in Tennessee's last three contests. He also played in four games during the 2019 season, with his lone career start resulting in a 30-7 victory over UAB.
Barring any more quarterback departures, the Vols will move forward with Bailey, sophomore Brian Maurer and recent signee Kaidon Salter, who is scheduled to enroll next month.
Shrout's decision to enter the portal comes a day after fifth-year senior tight end Austin Pope announced that he would be leaving for his final season. The 6-4, 235-pounder from Knoxville started 14 career games for the Vols and had seven career catches for 85 yards, but he missed this season after unexpectedly having to undergo back surgery during the summer.
"I would like to make public my decision to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer for my final year of eligibility," Pope posted on Twitter. "This decision to forgo my final season at the University of Tennessee was not easy, and I assure you that you will all be missed."
Johnson leaves UGA
Georgia senior outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson announced Tuesday afternoon that he will use his extra year of eligibility but not in Athens. The nation's No. 1 junior-college prospect in the 2019 signing class played in seven of nine games for the Bulldogs this season, including three starts.
Johnson tallied 16 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and five sacks.
"My time at the University of Georgia was a blessing to say the least," Johnson posted on Twitter. "There are countless memories I will cherish forever. It is with a heavy heart but a happy soul to say I will be utilizing my last year of eligibility and have entered the NCAA transfer portal."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.