UT Vols: Todd Kelly Jr. intends to come back next year, Brady Hoke says

Tennessee safety Todd Kelly Jr. does not intend to participate in the senior day festivities when the Vols (4-7, 0-7 SEC) host Vanderbilt (4-7, 0-7) on Saturday (4 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

That's because Kelly plans to seek a medical hardship waiver to gain another year of eligibility, interim coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday.

“I think he’s planning on coming back for another year, so I don’t believe he’s going to take part," Hoke said.

Kelly, a senior safety, underwent season-ending knee surgery on Oct. 3.

Kelly played in only two games this season, and NCAA rules allow him to seek a fifth season by applying for a hardship waiver. Hoke said that process will take place after the season.

“He’s got another year," Hoke said. "He’d like to come back.”

Two other UT seniors who have missed significant time with injuries – kick returner/safety Evan Berry and linebacker Cortez McDowell – are among the 22 players who are listed to participate in senior day.

Kelly, a biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology major, is an aspiring surgeon. He led the Vols with 71 tackles in 2016. The Webb School of Knoxville graduate made seven tackles this season, giving him 153 for his career.

Sophomore Nigel Warrior and junior Micah Abernathy have started every game at safety this season. Due to injuries to Kelly and Berry, the Vols were thin on safety depth behind them all year.

Mum's the word

Hoke offered no update on injured offensive linemen Brett Kendrick, Drew Richmond, Coleman Thomas and Jashon Robertson. All four are starters. Kendrick and Richmond haven't played the past three games. Thomas was sidelined for last week's game against LSU. Robertson exited that game with injury.

Hoke also declined to say whether he'd be interested in returning to the staff next season. Hoke was in his first season as UT's defensive line coach before taking over as interim coach after Butch Jones was fired Nov. 12.

Hoke and the rest of the staff are under contract through next season.