Sophomore running back LaMarcus Coker has been dismissed from the Vols football team, according to a report by ESPN, for failing his fourth drug test.

Coach Phillip Fulmer announced Coker's release from the team in a statement issued by the university.

Coker was suspended earlier this week for the Louisiana - Lafayette game for missing a drug counseling session required because of previous incidents.

This season, Coker had 169 yards on 45 carries and one touchdown to go along with 132 receiving yards and two touchdown grabs.

The Vols leading rusher from 2006 was suspended for three weeks in the off-season and missed the first game against California because of a failed drug test.

The Vols will look to sophomore Montario Hardesty and freshman Lennon Creer to fill Coker's backup role behind Arian Foster, however, both Hardesty and Creer have been dealing with injuries.

Hardesty is recovering from an ankle injury suffered last week against South Carolina. Creer has been hampered by a knee injury.