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Fab Five OL Coleman becomes fifth Vol underclassman to bolt
Posted: Monday January 10, 2000 06:28 PM
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- All-American offensive guard Cosey Coleman announced Monday he will forego his senior season to enter the NFL draft, becoming the fifth Tennessee Volunteer to decide to leave with a year of eligibility remaining. "I think I have prepared myself well here at UT," the 6-foot-5, 315-pounder from Clarkston, Ga., said. "And I am ready for the next level." Junior tailback Jamal Lewis and junior defensive back Deon Grant, a second-team All American and Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year, also will make themselves available for the NFL draft on April 15-16. Monday was the deadline to be considered. Seniors linebacker Raynoch Thompson, a first-team All American and Butkus Award finalist, and defensive end Shaun Ellis will enter the draft even though they could have played another year for the Vols because they were admitted as partial qualifiers. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said he wished the five well, noting that each played a role in Tennessee's SEC championships in 1997 and 1998, its national title in 1998 and three premier bowl appearances that past three seasons. "The early entry to the draft is part of college football when you recruit and develop outstanding players," he said. "I certainly hope it works out for all of them. "They will always be Tennessee Volunteers and we will always be there for them if they need us," Fulmer said. "Also, each of them has promised me that they will continue working towards their degree. I pray that they will." Eillis will be one of seven Tennessee players appearing in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 22. The others: offensive linemen Spencer Riley and Chad Clifton, defensive tackle Darwin Walker, cornerback Dwayne Goodrich and quarterback Tee Martin. Two other departing seniors, offensive tackle Josh Tucker and safety Fred White, may go to the all-star Hula Bowl in Hawaii on Jan. 22. Fulmer will be one of the coaches at the game.
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