Four-star senior defensive end Marques Ford of East Bay High School in Gibsonton, Fla., announced on his Twitter account Wednesday afternoon that he has parted ways with Tennessee.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Ford had been committed to the Vols for more than six months. He took his official visit to Tennessee last weekend.

"Due to circumstances, I am (decommitting) from the University of Tennessee and opening up my recruitment," said Ford, who's ranked the nation's No. 273 overall prospect and No. 17 strongside defensive end in the 247Sports Composite for the 2015 class.

Ford chose Tennessee over Rutgers and Duke in July. He also claims scholarship offers from Arkansas, Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin, among others.

The Vols now are left with 27 commitments for the 2015 class, including three defensive ends: five-star Kyle Phillips, four-star Andrew Butcher and Top247 prospect Darrell Taylor.

Due to circumstances, I am decommiting from the University of Tennessee and opening up my recruitment... — Marques Ford (@Marques_Ford) January 21, 2015



