A couple of days after gaining an unconditional release from his Tennessee scholarship, DeAnthony Arnett has landed in a familiar and expected new home.
In a statement emailed to the media Wednesday night, Arnett announced that he will be transferring to Michigan State. The wide receiver is from nearby Saginaw, and had the Spartans in his final three choices earlier before opting for the Volunteers on Signing Day.
Arnett’s father’s health has declined since he signed with the Vols, which prompted the player’s decision to seek an opportunity closer to home.
“After consideration by (the) University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Notre Dame, I have decided that the best decision for my family and myself would be to attend Michigan State University,” the release stated. “I want to thank all the schools that showed support during this trying time. I look forward to continue my education and football career at Michigan State with Coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans.”
Arnett had been granted a release from UT last week, but that release came with restrictions that would’ve prevented him from transferring to MSU and Michigan. The furor that erupted over head coach Derek Dooley‘s decision to limit where Arnett could move to prompted the school to reverse course a few days later.
Because of his father’s health, Arnett will seek a waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play immediately in 2012. Getting that waiver for Arnett would be huge for the Spartans’ offense as all three of their top receivers in 2011 will not return next season, although MSU will still be breaking in a new quarterback regardless.
A four-star member of the Vols’ 2011 recruiting class, Arnett was the No. 12 receiver in the country according to Rivals.com. As a true freshman this season, Arnett caught 24 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns.