Brandon Warren Transferring To Tennessee?

The Florida State offense was not exactly a juggernaut last year, but true freshman tight end Brandon Warren was a the bright spot, emerging into a dangerous offensive weapon when Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford weren't getting sacked, throwing interceptions, or lofting Jeff Bowden Patented Hopeful Downfield Jump Balls. This happened 28 times for 301 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately for Florida State, Warren may be plying his trade at Tennessee next year:

Sources close to the situation said Warren is seeking a transfer to Tennessee, and he hopes to win a hardship appeal with the NCAA and be eligible to play next season without having to sit out. The earliest he would be able to enroll at UT is this summer.

The cited reason for Warren's hardship is his mother's illness. Warren's already left Florida State and moved home to be with her, which causes NCAA complications. Since he did not stay at Florida State for a full year the NCAA will dock him a year of eligibility if they don't approve his waiver, giving him two years remaining after an ineligible year in '07. Potentially compounding Warren's problems:

The Tallahassee Democrat reported last weekend that it wasn't likely that Florida State would release Warren from his scholarship. If he's not released from his scholarship at FSU and doesn't win his hardship appeal, he couldn't be placed on scholarship next season at Tennessee while sitting out.

Well, that's just dadgum classy of Florida State. Maybe Bobby will blame the eBays for Warren's departure, too.