Key Vols DL Middleton Announces He Will Use Extra Year of Eligibility, Plans To Return For 2021 Season

Darrel Middleton is expected to be a part of Tennessee's defensive line this fall, and it appears he will be back in Orange and White in 2021.

Middleton announced on Twitter today that he plans to come back for an additional year of eligibility in 2021.

Middleton wrote a series of tweets to discuss his thoughts on this.

He started by saying, "I will be coming back next year for a full year of preparation, with a spring ball, summer workouts, and fall camp with my guys!"

He continued by saying, "I have learned a lot from our new dline coach. He is the best I’ve been coach by at my position. He knows what it take to become a great defensive lineman and also pushes me to be great off the field. Love you coach. let’s get better. @CoachBrumbaugh yessssuhhh"

Middleton continued by bragging on two Sophomore inside linebackers, by tweeting, "Knowing I have guys behind me like @HenryTootoo1 & Crouch makes me play with an edge. Knowing I can go full speed whether I’m right or wrong they will clean it up! They like brothers to me and push me each and every day! Love my dawgs man."

Middleton would add on the Vols coaching staff, "Playing for guys like @CoachJPruitt @DansleyAnsley @CoachBrumbaugh and so on! Theirs no better group of guys that have the Passion, the grit, the smarts for the game. They have coach some great players & some great teams. Why not play your heart out for these guys!"

Tennessee could return several players on the defensive front, but getting Middleton back for another season will be key for the Vols, as they are slated to lose up to six players following the 2020 season.

VR2 on SI has confirmed that Middleton is not opting out of the 2020 season, he is simply planning to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility that is being handed out by the NCAA.