Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren announced he is returning to Knoxville for his fifth and final collegiate season Wednesday.
“Being a hometown kid, playing at this university has been a dream of mine since I was little and I am beyond blessed that I have the opportunity to fulfill that dream,” Warren wrote in a statement. “However, I believe I have more to prove in this chapter of life. With that being said, I will be returning for my final year of eligibility and playing one more season at Tennessee.”
🧡 #GBO pic.twitter.com/bHhdE6hTsh
— Jacob Warren (@jwarren808) January 4, 2023
Warren was a co-starter for Tennessee each of the last three seasons, splitting playing time with fellow veteran Princeton Fant.
The former Farragut High School standout’s caught 36 passes for 415 yards and four touchdowns the last three seasons. Last season, Warren caught 12 passes for 163 yards.
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Warren’s return will help with veteran leadership on an offense that loses a handful of important veteran pieces from the 2022 season.
More importantly, Warren’s return gives Tennessee stability at tight end. Princeton Fant is out of eligibility creating the need for Warren to return. Warren and Fant are the only two tight ends that have played signifiant snaps since Josh Heupel arrived in Knoxville.
While Tennessee is bringing in talented four-star tight end Ethan Davis and UC-Davis tight end McCallen Castles, Warren’s experience is invaluable for Tennessee’s tight end room.
What percentage of snaps he plays is to be determined, but Warren is poised to be the Vols’ full time starter at tight end next season.
