After weeks of rumors circulating around the program, Jones confirmed Wednesday that certain Tennessee football players will not return for the 2015 season.

Jones announced during his press conference that defensive lineman Michael Sawyers has been dismissed from the Tennessee football team.

Jones cited violation of team and athletic rules as reasons for the Sawyers’ dismissal.

“Michael Sawyers has been dismissed from our football team,” Jones said. “For violations of athletic and team policies, so he is dismissed and no longer a member of our football team.”

The Antioch, Tennessee native appeared in four games and recorded two tackles in his freshman stint with the Vols.

Jones also announced that quarterback Nathan Peterman will not return to Tennessee, transferring to Pittsburg to play for former offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.

As a graduate transfer, he will be immediately eligible to play for the panthers.

In his only start at quarterback, the Fruit Cove, Florida native completed 4-of-11 passes and threw two interceptions against the Florida Gators.

He made an appearance in seven games in the 2014 season, completing 10-of-20 passes for 49 yards.

Ryan Jenkins and Vic Wharton are also looking to transfer to other programs.

“We have granted them the opportunity to explore other options,” Jones said. “We’ll see how that goes, with those two individuals.”

After redshirting in 2013, Jenkins appeared in all 13 games in 2014, but only recorded one reception for six yards.

Wharton played in nine games in the 2014 season and caught five passes for 64 yards. Wharton scored his first career touchdown on a 49-yard reception from halfback Marlin Lane in the TaxSlayer Bowl.