Former Tampa Chamberlain star Dentarius Locke wants out of the University of Tennessee. Locke redshirted his freshman season for the Vols before breaking out in 2011. As a redshirt freshman, he finished second and third at the SEC Championships and finished 8th in the 200 at nationals. The three time All-American and All-SEC performer says the university has undergone several changes since he signed two years ago.
"Since I have been there the head coach and sprint coach who recruited me have been let go. They are starting over and improving, but it will take time to contend for a championship."
As Locke has found out leaving a University is not easy. Tennessee must grant him a full release and that has yet to be done. He says at first the Volunteers wouldn't let him speak to any other schools, but after talking to the head coach that changed. After sifting through offers from Clemson, Southern Cal, USF, and Miami, the Florida native decided to stay in state and head to Tallahassee.
"Florida state is one of the best schools in every sport. They have a great program and have a lot of well known guys to train with (Maurice Mitchell, Brandon Byram, Ngoni Makusha, Brandon O'Connor). The coaches there are very well know and have a history of helping athletes get to the next level and winning championships. That program has a good chance of winning championships and possible consecutive championships. I believe that I can achieve all of my goals at FSU. I am glad to be in my home state going to school. Now I am closer to family and friends which makes being at FSU a lot easier."
If the University of Tennessee does not grant Locke a full release he would be ineligible his first year at FSU. It is an issue Locke is not thrilled with and is willing to take to court if need be.
"Right now that is a possibility and is being thought of. I am talking to as many people as I can before I make the final decision on whether to take legal action. Right now I feel as I have a good case and a very good chance of winning. I feel like going to court is a very good possibility."
He says no matter what happens with the appeal he plans on trading in the orange and white for the garnet and gold.
"Most of the process is over and I am very excited about being at Florida State training with all the guys I named and with the coaches. This whole process has been a learning experience for me. Now I am going to talk to Tennessee about getting a full release. I have sat out one year before this and it was rough for me. Sitting out a second year for no apparent reason would not be fair. I think Tennessee would release me after already being enrolled into FSU. I have major goals I plan to reach and it would be a blessing to reach those goals this year coming up as a Seminole."
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