Vols senior kicker Brent Cimaglia entered the transfer portal on Friday afternoon, he announced on Twitter. Cimaglia opted out the final two games of this past season after dealing with injury issues throughout the season
“These last four years have meant a lot to me,” Cimaglia tweeted out. “I was able to fulfill a dream of playing in front of the most passionate fan base in the country. I have made lifelong friends and will cherish these memories forever. With that being said, it is time for me to move forward in the best interest of me and my family. I will be entering the transfer portal to finish my last season. I want to say thank you for everything, Volnation. You will always be a part of my life and as always, go big orange..”
Cimaglia had been battling injury since he returned to campus in June. His injury has affected his play this season. After a breakout junior campaign, Cimaglia has missed four field goals in just nine attempts. In all of last season, Cimaglia missed four field goals in 27 attempts.
“First and foremost I want to thank Vol Nation for the support this season,” Cimaglia wrote on Twitter when he opted out. “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to opt out for the remainder of the 2020 football season.
“It has taken some time to come to this conclusion, however my focus is to work on my mental well-being and physical health. Due to many hardships and struggles within the program, it is in my best interest to take this additional time to rehabilitate ongoing injuries. I look forward to giving my best in the future.”
Cimaglia was the Preseason All-SEC First Team for many publications such as Athlon Sports, the SEC Coaches, College Football News and Phil Steele. He was also named to the 2020 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List.
The accolades came following a 2019 season that was one of the greatest seasons ever by a Tennessee kicker. Cimaglia made 23-of-27 field goals, including a 51-yarder and a 53-yarder. His 85.2 percentage ranked second in the SEC and was best among kickers who attempted more than 20 field goals. He made all 35 of his extra point attempts and 9-of-11 field goal attempts from 40+.
He finished second in the SEC with 23 field goals made and tied for seventh in the nation. His 23 made fields goals rank third in UT single-season history and were the most since Carlos Reveiz made 24 in 1985.
Cimaglia’s performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors, as well as being named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
