Rhiannon Potkey

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Junior defensive back Stephen Griffin is no longer a member of the University of Tennessee football program.

UT spokesperson Ryan Robinson confirmed Griffin’s departure on Tuesday. No reason was given.

Griffin appeared in 19 games the last two seasons for the Vols, making 18 total tackles. The Charlotte, N.C., native made his first and only career start last season in the regular-season ending loss to Vanderbilt.

Griffin was a three-star recruit out of South Mecklenburg High School. He was named Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Defensive Player of the Year in 2014

Griffin was born in Augusta, Ga., and lived in Knoxville during his youth before moving to North Carolina. His father, Steve, was a running back at Clemson.

Austin Smith To Linebacker: UT coach Butch Jones said Tuesday after practice that sophomore Austin Smith had moved from defensive end to linebacker.

Smith appeared in 13 games as a true freshman in 2015 at strongside linebacker. Smith moved to defensive end after the 2015 season, but injured his shoulder during spring practice. He did not appear in any games last season.