LaMarcus Coker was officially declared out of Tennessee’s football program Friday.
Coach Phillip Fulmer dismissed the talented but troubled tailback two days after Coker drew his fourth suspension as a Volunteer.
“He did not do what was asked of him,” Fulmer said in a press release. “I want a positive environment for our athletes to learn and grow. LaMarcus is a talented young man with a lot of life in front of him.”
Coker led UT in rushing last year, but was suspended for several practices before the team’s Outback Bowl loss to Penn State.
He then drew a three-week ban in August for undisclosed medical reasons and sat out the Vols’ opening game, a 45-31 loss at California. He appeared ready to claim more playing time after rushing for 101 yards in a home win over Arkansas State.
Coker’s only other highlight, though, was a clutch 37-yard kickoff return last week to set up a game-tying field goal at regulation’s end against South Carolina.
When Coker was originally suspended for Saturday’s game with Louisiana-Lafayette earlier this week, writers and columnists around Tennessee questioned why Fulmer didn’t boot him then, recalling Fulmer’s comments in August after he allowed Coker to return.
“He understands he’s on his last chance,” Fulmer told The Tennesseean.
That last chance ran out today.
(For more details and a full preview of tomorrow’s game, read my preview in the Herald Courier)