Flint's not affected by Tennessee rumors

We have the seen the first head coach in the SEC get fired, and we are still in October. Florida and Jim McElwain officially parted ways Sunday and there are rumors daily about Butch Jones and his future at Tennessee.

One of the Volunteer commitments in the 2018 class, Matthew Flint is not reading too much into those rumors.

"All is still the same for me with Tennessee," said Flint. "I talk to coach [Tommy] Thigpen (linebackers) and coach Jones almost every day. Nothing has really changed for me.

"I am still a solid commitment."

He is aware of the rumors and he has seen Tennessee struggle on the field at times this season, but he still feels good about the decision he made on the second day of August.

"I have been up to Tennessee for their games against South Carolina and Georgia this season. I think their defense has played solid and the offense has played good at times. The coaches are still coaching and the players are still playing hard, so I like that.

"People always want to talk about the negative and I have heard rumors, but it is like family at Tennessee and I still want to be part of it. I have been there to see the fans and to feel what it is like.

"It has been a tough season, but I am still strong with my commitment. I have not even thought about other schools. I still want to be at Tennessee."

Flint still has a positive mindset when looking ahead to his future in Knoxville despite much of the media painting a negative picture around the program he is committed to.

He wants to play a role in helping the Vols moving forward.

"I can't wait to get there and help turn things around," said Flint. "Even with the team struggling some this season, you still see the seats in the stadium filled and I love that.

"I am locked in to Tennessee and I am not looking around. I am not worried about this season. Tennessee is still Tennessee and I want to be part of the program."