Leading Tennessee WR takes leave of absence

Tennessee wide receiver Alton ‘Pig’ Howard has taken a leave of absence and won’t play in the spring practice period with the team, say reports coming out of Knoxville.

The News Sentinel-owned GoVolsExtra  site said “Howard has been away from the team due to “personal reasons” and his long-term future with the Vols had not yet been decided.”

Howard had 44 receptions and 3 TDs in 2013, which led the offense-light Volunteers. He also had 388 receiving yards.

He is thought to be the Vols No.2 receiver behind Marquez North coming into the Spring.

BOTTOM LINE: This isn’t going to make the Vols’ already-tough schedule any easier. Howard may well return for the Spring, but it’s looking increasingly unlikely. Over to you, Marquez…