Tennessee defensive lineman LaTrell Bumphus thanks fans, says goodbye
Tennessee defensive lineman LaTrell Bumphus said goodbye to Volunteer fans Tuesday afternoon on social media, thanking the Big Orange faithful for their support throughout his career on Rocky Top. The redshirt-senior spent six seasons on campus, saving some of his best football for last.
“What a ride it has been,” the defender said in the post. “Dating back to my freshman season of 2017, there have been a lot of ups and downs, but in the end, it has all been worth it. I have been very blessed to play and graduate with multiple degrees from Tennessee, including my master’s degree.”
He signed as a tight end with Butch Jones for the Class of 2018 before making the move over to the defensive line as a junior in 2019. Then the injuries piled on in 2020, missing five games. He played in just four games last season before earning a medical redshirt. Bumphus was hurt this past spring and limited in camp. But despite it all, the veteran recovered for a solid final campaign.
“I want to thank God for putting me in this position to be successful,” Bumphus went on. “I want to thank all of my coaches that I have encountered along the way for making me the player I am today but also helping me grow as a man.”
The Volunteer State native not only remained healthy this season, but he also took over the starting defensive end spot in game four and never relinquished it – playing over 30 snaps in six games with 50 and 59 snaps at LSU and against Alabama. Bumphus recovered a fumble in the end zone against Ball State, forced a fumble on Georgia’s opening drive that led to Tennessee points the other way and racked up four tackles in the finale against Vanderbilt.
“To my family, thank you for all of the support and always having my back though it all,” the defensive lineman said. “To my teammates, thank you for pushing me every day to compete. I am very thankful for the memories and brotherhood that we have created while we have been here.”
Through three coaching staffs and countless injuries, Bumphus took the time to thank Tennessee fans for their constant support throughout the years.
“To Vol Nation, thank you for having our backs no matter what we have been through. Your support has been bigger than you may know throughout this journey,” he concluded. “I look forward to talking this next journey in my career as I prepare for the NFL. Go Vols!”
PFF graded Bumphus out at 60.5 this season on 379 snaps – easily the most of his career in any given season.
