As per ESPN College Football Rumors:
Senior LB Nick Reveiz said that the Volunteers have not completely closed the door on RB Bryce Brown's return. Brown, a rising sophomore who was the team's second-leading rusher in 2009, has been rumored to be transferring for months now, but no official announcement has ever been made and coach Derek Dooley has never said that Brown would not be allowed to return.
"I was wondering about (Brown's status) yesterday," Reveiz told John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel on Friday. "I tried to call him when I found out he was leaving, but I couldn't get in contact with him. I've heard whispers that maybe he would come back. I don't know where his mind is at. But if he wanted to come back, we would have open arms."
Ya think? Given the manpower shortages the team will face and the possibility that it could be in for a four- or five-win season, any help should be welcome. Reveiz issued one caveat: "He has missed a lot of practices, a lot of workouts. He obviously would have to make that up. He would have to work hard. Nothing would be given to him."
Would Brown return if he weren't guaranteed the starting job?