The news that A.J. Branisel is leaving the Tennessee football program was announced this week and met with little fanfare, but the fallout from his departure may cause ripple effects throughout the season.
"A.J. Branisel has decided to leave the football program. We thank A.J. for his two years and wish him the best. We are in the process of assisting him to find another opportunity," Vols coach Butch Jones said in a statement on Monday morning, per the Knoxville News-Sentinel's Dustin Dopirak.
On the surface, the exit of a third-string tight end may be met with a universal "meh" from a fanbase with high aspirations.