Cooper Mays announces return to Tennessee
Veteran offensive lineman Cooper Mays did not participate in Tennessee’s senior day festivities during the regular season finale against Vanderbilt. With an extra year of eligibility left due to the COVID waiver, Mays has weighed the option of returning to Tennessee for another season.
Moments ago on social media, the Knoxville native announced his intentions to return for a final year.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
— Cooper Mays (@CooperMays) December 15, 2023
Back to finish what I started… pic.twitter.com/dMdXjjp0Of
The start of the 2023 season was hindered for Mays, as he dealt with an abdominal injury that left him sidelined for the first four games of the season.
Mays returned against Texas A&M, and he has not left the starting rotation at center since. He notched his 30th career start against Georgia in November.
What Mays Said Leading Into the Decision
“It’s really went by faster than I thought it would,” Mays told Volquest’s Austin Price on Vol Club Confidential about his time at Tennessee earlier this year. “It’s really been a great experience. I came into college and if you had told me all the stuff that happened and how it all went down, I’d have told you that you were crazy and no way but it’s been a really great experience. I’ve got to watch my little brother grow up and play with my older brother. Got my first start right beside him and it’s been a really beautiful journey.”
Mays’ Timeline at Tennessee
2020- Mays signed with the Vols as a consensus four-star prospect out of Knoxville Catholic. He played in all ten games during the COVID season and earned two starts at center.
2021- Mays dealt with some injuries, but he started eight games at center for Tennessee during his first season in Josh Heupel’s offense.
2022- Mays was a vital piece of Tennessee’s potent offensive attack. He started all 13 games during the Vols’ Orange Bowl run. He came into the season as a pre-season all-SEC selection.
Understanding Key Off-Season Dates
December 4th- The winter transfer portal date opens on December 4th and runs for 30 days. The window to enter the winter portal and have immediate eligibility is January 2nd. Players do not have to choose a school during this time, but they have to enter their name into the portal before the window closes.
December 20th- The early signing period for high school prospects to sign their national letter of intent opens and runs for three days, closing after December 22nd.
January 16th- Players must enter their name into the NFL Draft process by this date to be eligible for the 2024 Draft.
April 16th- The spring transfer portal window opens and runs through April 30th. Players seeking immediate eligibility have to enter the transfer portal during this window.
