Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Cade Mays announced on Saturday that he's forgoing his final season of eligibility and entering the 2022 NFL Draft.

Mays is currently projected as a mid-round pick, though he could improve his draft with a good showing at the NFL draft combine (if he participates) and his pro day.

The Tennessee native is also committed to playing in the NFLPA collegiate bowl later this month, which will be another opportunity for him to improve his draft stock.

Mays, who started his career at Georgia before transferring to Tennessee prior to the 2020 season, revealed his draft decision via an Instagram post that included some important praise for his Vol teammates.

"To all of my teammates, my brothers, thank you for your unwavering commitment to change the culture at Tennessee and leave it better than we found it," wrote Mays.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYNKNqBLOc_

There's been a lot of talk over the last couple of months about the incredible culture change that's taken place at Tennessee under new head coach Josh Heupel.

Heupel and his coaching staff have received most of the credit for that culture change.

However, I think it's important that the players on Tennessee's roster receive some praise, too.

Ultimately, they're the ones that choose whether or not they buy in to Heupel's vision. They're the ones putting in the work to change the trajectory of Tennessee football.

It's clear that Tennessee's players care deeply about UT's rich history. And they absolutely want to return the program to the glory days of the late 90s.

Heupel has done a great job during his first season at Tennessee. But without the players meeting him in the middle, this season would've been a disaster.

This group of players has a lot of pride. And I think that's one of the reasons we'll see the Volunteers take another big step forward in 2022.

Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC