It's been a whirlwind past month for Pruitt, who was named Tennessee's coach on Dec. 7. He juggled that job and his role as Alabama's defensive coordinator through Monday, when the Crimson Tide won the national title. UT Sports
Linebacker Matthew Flint no longer is committed to Tennessee football, he announced late Sunday night on Twitter.
The Gurley (Ala.) Madison County senior explained that the situation with the Vols changed since Jeremy Pruitt was hired in early December, leaving him looking at other options to play college football.
"To the Tennessee program and fans, I appreciate all the love and everything you have done for me," Flint wrote. "I just want to set the record straight. I never quit on Vol Nation, but due to the change in coaching staff and their new direction, the situation changed and forced me to explore other opportunities.
"I'm thankful for my time committed to Tennessee. Just wanted y'all to know I never gave up on Tennessee. Shoutout (sic) Coach Butch Jones thank you for giving me an opportunity won't ever forget that."
The 6-foot, 213-pound linebacker committed to Tennessee on Aug. 2 and maintained his commitment when Jones was fired on Nov. 12. He took an official visit to North Carolina over the weekend.
More: Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee Vols on recruiting trail to 'build a championship team'
Flint is ranked the No. 670 prospect and No. 40 outside linebacker by the 247Sports Composite.
The Vols have 17 commitments for their 2018 class, including 14 players who signed in December during the early signing period.
“I thought our staff did a fantastic job identifying who we needed, who wanted and going and getting them,” Pruitt said Wednesday. “That’s the big thing is it starts with the (evaluations). You want to make sure you are going after the right people and once you figure that out, you have to go get them.”
The UT class ranks No. 16 in the nation.