Tennessee running back John Kelly talks the mentality of the Vols offense. Mike Wilson/News Sentinel
New Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt won't have John Kelly to build an offense around in his first season.
The Tennessee running back will enter the NFL Draft and forgo his senior season, he announced Friday.
"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," Kelly wrote on his Instagram. "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!"
Kelly rushed for 778 yards and nine touchdowns in 2017 on 189 carries, impressing with a tough, angry running style. He emerged as the centerpiece for a struggling Tennessee offense, accounting for 1,077 all-purpose yards. He had the ball in his hands 226 times last season — the lone Volunteer with more than 100 touches.
The Detroit native picked Tennessee over offers from Michigan and Michigan State. He got involved as a true freshman, earning carries in a crowded Tennessee backfield that featured Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara.
Adams: Should Tennessee Vols running back John Kelly leave early for the NFL?
He took on a greater role as a sophomore, leading the Vols with 6.43 yards per carry. Kelly broke out in October 2016, with 89 yards against Texas A&M and 94 against South Carolina. He rushed for at least 50 yards in the final six games of his sophomore campaign, averaging 85.8 yards per game in the season's second half.
As a junior, Kelly was a workhorse back for the Vols, serving as the offensive bright spot as they struggled to a 4-8 mark. He rushed for 128 yards and four touchdowns in a season-opening win against Georgia Tech. He followed it up with 80 yards against Indiana State, then 141 against Florida and 101 against UMass.
In October, he was cited for misdemeanor drug possession, not having a headlight and not having proof of insurance during a traffic stop, during which police said they found marijuana in a vehicle he and linebacker Will Ignont were in. He was suspended for a game.
Kelly played three seasons in Knoxville, rushing for 1,573 yards and 15 touchdowns on 327 attempts.
The Vols return rising sophomore Ty Chandler and rising junior Carlin Fils-aime among their running backs in 2018. Chandler had a phenomenal showing in Kelly's absence at Kentucky this season. The highly regarded prospect rushed 22 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns in his first start.
Tennessee reporters Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson discuss the Vols' recruiting class heading into the early signing period Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson/News Sentinel
Coffee County senior Alontae Taylor signed with Tennessee on the last day of the early signing period. Tom Kreager
Gibbs' Ollie Lane signed with the Vols on Early Signing Day Dec. 20, 2017 Diana Nearhos/News Sentinel
Ensworth's Tanner Antonutti talks about why he signed with Tennessee. Tom Kreager / USA Today Network - Tennessee
See why Nashville Christian's Brant Lawless is signing with Tennessee. Tom Kreager
Jerome Carvin to Tennessee By John Varlas/The Commercial Appeal
Keaton Jones, whose bullying video has gone viral, visited with UT Athletics Director Phil Fulmer and members of the Vols football team on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. Submitted/ University of Tennessee.
Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt was introduced during a timeout at the Vols basketball game on Saturday Mike Wilson/News Sentinel
Watch a time lapse of University of Tennessee sophomore Kate Luffman painting The Rock to welcome UT Vols new coach Jeremy Pruitt. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel
University of Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt speaks about who he sees as the Vols' opponents during his introduction ceremony in the Neyland Stadium Peyton Manning Locker Room Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017.
The Tennessee coaching search has gone through a tumultuous week. Angela Gosnell/News Sentinel
Tennessee has named former head football coach Phil Fulmer as the athletics director. Wochit
John Currie is out as the Tennessee athletic director after eight months on the job and one chaotic week of a football coaching search, according to media reports. Angela Gosnell/News Sentinel
Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt has been hired as the next coach at Tennessee. Wochit
More than 100 people gathered outside Neyland Stadium on Nov. 26, then marched on Anderson Training Center to express outrage after reports surfaced that Tennessee is finalizing a deal to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. Calvin Mattheis
Jauan Jennings on Sunday drove by a crowd who, minutes earlier, had chanted "Free Jauan." The UT Vols released Jennings after he posted a profanity-laced rant to Instagram. He has since apologized. Submitted / Twitter user @witness781
Early signing day: Breaking down Tennessee's current class
Alontae Taylor signs with Tennessee football
VIDEO: Ollie Lane: I can't wait to be a part of Tennessee football
Tanner Antonutti is ready to join the Vols
Brant Lawless signs with Tennessee
Jerome Carvin to Tennessee
Keaton Jones visits UT
Jeremy Pruitt introduced at Vols basketball game
Watch a time lapse of The Rock being painted to welcome UT Vols new coach Jeremy Pruitt
Who Pruitt sees as Vols' opponents
A timeline of Tennessee's coaching search
Phil Fulmer named Vols athletics director
John Currie out as Tennessee athletic director
UT Vols: 5 things to know about Jeremy Pruitt
Crowd speaks out against Greg Schiano, calls for John Currie's firing
Jauan Jennings drives by Sunday's protest of Greg Schiano