Rashaan Gaulden won’t return to UT, declares for the NFL Draft

By WNML Staff

Vols redshirt junior defensive back Rashaan Gaulden announced on Twitter Wednesday that he is declaring for the NFL Draft, ending his Tennessee football career.

Gaulden (6’1, 193 from Spring Hill, TN) played in 36 games with 18 starts in his career. He totaled 140 tackles and 1 interception in his time in a Vols uniform. He was a part of arguably the best signing class of Butch Jones’ tenure at Tennessee in 2014. He entered UT as a 3-star prospect in three major recruiting services and a 4-star in one other.

https://twitter.com/Gmoney_7era/status/948650870610198529

Gaulden joins John Kelly (Instagram announcement below) as recent Vols players opting for the NFL rather than return to school for their senior seasons.

Kelly (5’9, 205 from Detroit, MI was a part of the 2015 signing class as a consensus 3-star recruit. Kelly rushed for 1,573 yards and 15 TDs in three seasons at UT. He also caught 43 passes for 350 yards in his career.

I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that I will be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft and thank so many that were instrumental in getting me to where I am today. From my time in Detroit to my collegiate career at Tennessee, words can’t express my gratitude to everyone that has helped me throughout my journey. To my friends and family, I want to thank you for always being there for me. To my teammates, and coaching staff, I want to thank you for always pushing me to better myself and grow on and off the field. To Vol Nation, I want to thank you for all of your support through all of the highs and lows. I will always call Neyland Stadium home. As I take the next step in my career, I will never forget where it all began. Detroit and Tennessee will always be a part of me at every step of this journey and I promise to always represent you well. With everything you’ve given to me, that’s the least I can do for you all. From the bottom of my heart – thank you, all. Go Vols!

A post shared by John M. Kelly ll (@jkshuttlesworth) on Dec 29, 2017 at 10:26am PST