Former Saginaw star DeAnthony Arnett gets full release from Tennessee, eyeing Michigan, Michigan State
Ex-Saginaw High School standout receiver DeAnthony Arnett is free to go wherever he chooses.
And his ultimate destination could be Ann Arbor or East Lansing.
The now former Tennessee freshman receiver confirmed via Twitter on Tuesday that he was given his full release from Volunteers coach Derek Dooley, and can transfer wherever he'd like, including Michigan or Michigan State.
"I am very appreciative of coach Dooley for making this decision today!" Arnett tweeted. "We both have the same beliefs that family is first!"
DeAnthony Arnett caught 24 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games at Tennessee.
Associated Press
ESPN.com reported last week that Arnett was seeking a transfer from Tennessee to be closer to his ailing father in Saginaw, but was told by Dooley that the only way he'd be released to a Big Ten school was if he paid his own way.
Reportedly, Dooley told Arnett he could transfer to a Mid-American Conference school in Michigan with full release, but nowhere else in the state.
In an email to ESPN, Arnett wrote that his father has had two heart attacks, dialysis and multiple other surgeries, and as a result, he wanted an unconditional release from Tennessee to transfer to any Michigan school.
Now that he's received his full release, he'll be able to play wherever he chooses inside his home state.
A former four-star receiver according to Scout, Rivals.com and ESPN, Arnett caught 24 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games at Tennessee.
DEREK DOOLEY ON DEANTHONY ARNETT (FROM KNOXNEWS.COM)
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Frustrated in A2
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Tennessee's coach did the right thing here, that's one of the best parts about this story.
iamcris
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:18 a.m.
I hope for Mr. Arnett that his fathers' health improves and that he spends invaluable time with his family. No breath should ever be taken for granted that we are given. Beyond that, I am glad that Dooley released him. Go Blue!
Jim Pryce
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.
I am pretty sure he'll go to MSU, as they were his 2nd choice originally behind Tennessee.
TcFlint
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
Regardless of where this young man ends up, this was the right decision by Tennessee and Coach Dooley. Too bad they did not come to this decision earlier. Hopefully, Michigan will still have a scholarship to offer. Best of luck to DeAnthony and his family!!!
golfer
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
he is the part about michigan. Arnett will likely decide between Michigan State and Michigan, but added that Arnett may be leaning away from the Wolverines due to limited scholarship numbers lets see what happens. hoak might go for it due to the player he is!
golfer
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
how do we know hoak wants him? i have not heard or read anything oneway or the other?
MRunner73
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
I hope DeAnthony realizes that Kirk Cousins is gone from MSU. Denard will be here one more year, we're pretty sure. Michigan is a better fit. Let's hope he chooses Maize and Blue over Green and White (bronze-whatever).
boo
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
I've seen this boy play, real deal! hope he comes to Michigan
D21
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.
Ferd, Only to the PC crowd!
ferdcom
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
Be careful with your choice of words. May be offensive to some.
dougfroma2
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
I thought these were amateur student players. The term "full release" indicate a contract status. Say it ain't so!!!
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Yea. They are students ... under contract ... for a scholarship ... while the university makes big money off of them. smh
knotch
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
NO, They have what is called 'hardship'...has to be family related. I believe his farther is ill. If he just transferred to UM he'd have to sit a full season. With Hardship he can jump from one program to another. I'd like to see if U-M has at least on player that can be given an academic scholarship, or shake a scholarship loose for this guy.