KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 04: John Kelly #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the second half at Neyland Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Tennessee stunned by latest NFL Draft decision

He's going to be tough to replace.

Tennessee running back John Kelly might be taking after another Volunteers great in Alvin Kamara as he has declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season when people didn't think he would. Kelly is doing the same thing as he had less than 800 yards rushing, but did finish the season with over 1,000 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Kelly took a beating this year as he had 189 carries amid the 4-8 season and at times was the only option at times for an abysmal Tennessee offense. He had three games where he rushed 20 times or more and could become like Kamara who goes in the middle rounds of the draft, but turns out to be a great rookie.

Here is the full announcement from Kelly's Instagram:

The 5-foot-9, 205-pound back is similar in size to Kamara so you can imagine that scouts are going to look at him similarly before he gets drafted. Of course, he will have to test out well at his Pro Day and the NFL Combine, but with the proper training that should not be an issue.

Tennessee will now have to turn to Ty Chandler, Carlin Fils-Aime and whoever else the Volunteers bring in for the 2018 recruiting class to take over the running back spot.