VU

Matthew Tant, a three-year starter at fullback for Vanderbilt, has informed the coaching staff that he intends to forego his final year of eligibility and test the professional football waters, head coach Bobby Johnson said Monday.

Also, Johnson noted defensive end Jovan Haye and quarterback Jay Cutler, another pair of fourth-year juniors, are measuring their decisions to return against evaluations from the NFL.

Tant underwent rotator cuff surgery last Monday and felt it was in his best interests to pursue a professional career instead of risking another spate of injuries in his senior season.