Who needs frequent flyer miles?

Tennessee's football coaches annually log massive amounts of travel time in hopes of landing the next high profile recruit. Traditionally, they've had to recruit nationally because of a shortage of in-state talent.

Tennessee annually invites twice as many prospects to campus as compared to their SEC East rivals: Georgia and Florida. Those schools will begin the summer with approximately 50 prospects. Tennessee will top 400. This year should be different.

The Vols have strong interest in well over a dozen Tennessee high school prospects. That number could grow once evaluations are complete. The Vols will continue to look outside the state but this year's in-state class is one of the best in recent memory.

Listed, in alphabetical order, are the Tennessee prospects that the Vols have shown the most interest.

Coker, LaMarcus (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), RB, Antioch High School, Antioch

Two things standout when watching Coker: change of direction and big-play speed. Antioch's offense relies heavily on toss sweeps and counter running plays to take advantage of those skills.

Coker's above average vision gives him the occasional cutback into the line of scrimmage but most of his yards are gained wide of the tackle box. Coker will never be mistaken for a power back, but when needed, the slasher has the ability to run through defenders.

Coker committed to the Vols in December of his junior year. He has said he will "probably" take some official visits this fall at his mother's behest. However, he said he is strongly committed to Tennessee.

Cottam, Jeff (6-7, 260), TE, Germantown High School, Germantown

Obviously, the Vols have a strong "in" when it comes to recruiting Jeff. His brother, Brad, is a Tennessee freshman tight end.

For Tennessee, there are pros and cons to that relationship. The advantages are obvious. If Jeff chooses UT, then he would be able to play alongside his brother. For Jeff, it's not that simple.

"I like Tennessee a lot," Jeff said. "But I'm scared that if I go there that I'll sit on the bench behind my brother waiting for him to leave."

Jeff has also said he might feel guilty if he surpasses his brother on the depth chart.

Brad has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting his freshman year. Tennessee will try to sell Jeff on the Vols' ability to play two tight end sets. UT could redshirt Jeff to stagger their career. However, Jeff has said he would prefer not to redshirt.

Both Cottams have plenty of size. Brad is 6-8. The difference between the two is their body frames and ability to add weight. Brad was 240 pounds when he signed with Tennessee and has struggled to add weight. Jeff is already 260 pounds before his senior year in high school.

Jeff isn't letting his size preclude him from trying out for his favorite position in college. Jeff said he would rule out any team that projects him at offensive tackle. Tennessee's main competition for Jeff is Ole Miss.

Cox, Todd (6-2, 195), LB, Harding Academy, Memphis

Cox's speed is spectacular on the private school level. Harding head coach Paul Simmons said he has timed Cox at a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash wearing spiked shoes on a running track. That would translate to a 4.45-4.5 in a normal testing environment.

Harding likes to line Cox on the edge of the tackle box when blitzing to create speed mismatches. Few offensive linemen can beat him to the corner.

Cox will play linebacker in college but his overall abilities belie his athleticism. Cox has played linebacker, safety, tailback, fullback, and wide receiver. That versatility has showcased his aptitude and overall understanding of the game. The main suitors for Cox are Oklahoma, LSU, Southern Cal, and Tennessee. Cox, a lifelong Tennessee fan, said he will "probably" pick the Vols.

Johnson, Marsalous (5-9, 170), CB, Smyrna High School, Smyrna

Johnson jumped at the opportunity to commit to Tennessee when he was offered in June.

"Tennessee's my all-time favorite team," Johnson said. "Why wait when you can play for the team you've always rooted for."

Johnson's exuberance and size remind many of former Vol cornerback Jabari Greer. Like Greer, Johnson plans to run track at Tennessee. Johnson runs the 100, 200, and 400-meter sprints. He has posted times of 10.4, 21.8, and 50.0, respectively.

In addition to playing cornerback for the past two seasons, Johnson played wide receiver his sophomore year and running back throughout his junior campaign. Johnson said he might take other official visits in the fall. However, his enthusiasm for UT football makes it seem unlikely that he would change his mind.

Oher, Michael (6-5, 330), OG/DT, Briarcrest Christian, Memphis

The dimensions of this prospect are not solely the definition of this prospect. Oher has the size. But he also has exceptional athletic ability.

According to TheInsiders.com, Oher is the 26th rated prospect in the nation. Tennessee will have to fight off some strong competition for Oher's services. He has received scholarship offers from Florida State, LSU, and Oklahoma.

Oher has yet to visit Knoxville but says he intends to do so soon.

"I was definitely a Tennessee fan growing up," Oher said. "I'll take an official visit this fall. Coach Fulmer is kind of mad at me for not getting up there already."

Asked if his absence from Knoxville should be construed as a lack of interest in the Vols, Oher said, "Not at all."

Okpokowuruk, Ayanga (6-4, 230), DE, McCallie, Chattanooga

The man with the unusual name is gaining momentum. College coaches love Okpokowuruk's quickness of the edge. He's rangy enough to reel in ball carriers and fend off long-armed offensive linemen.

UT has a good connection with Okpokowuruk. Vol junior defensive end Jason Hall played at McCallie. Okpokowuruk's father is a Nigerian immigrant who lives in Charlotte, N.C.

Rawls, Malcolm (6-4, 303), OL, East High School, Tenn.

awls is one of two lineman that the Vols are interested inn from Memphis East. The other is Dan Williams (see below).

Rawls is trim for a 300-plus pounder. He has shown good feet and an aggressiveness that attracts college coaches.

Rawls, an excellent student, has spent the summer studying engineering in Andover, Mass. Undoubtedly, academics will be a major factor in his decision.

Rogers, Austin (6-2, 175), WR/S, David Lipscomb, Nashville

Georgia may be the team to beat for the Vols when it comes to Rogers. Georgia is undecided on Rogers. If the Bulldogs offer him, then UT might be out of it. Rogers is also considering Virginia.

Rogers has good size for a defensive back/wide receiver. It's his speed that can be surprising. Rogers has said he hopes to make a decision early.

Turner, Barry (6-3, 235), DE/LB, Brentwood Academy, Brentwood

For recruiting fans and college coaches alike, Turner is a tough prospect to get a firm understanding of.

"He's not going to follow the lead sheep," Brentwood head coach Carlton Flatt said of his star prospect. "There's not going to be anybody to just talk him into (committing). He's going to make his decision on a mature basis. He's an independent thinker."

"That can be good or bad," Flatt said teasingly. "Sometimes, as a coach, you tell him to do something and he stands there and thinks about it."

That analytical approach minimizes a potential advantage that the Vols have as they vie for Turner's services. Turner's former teammate, David Holbert, is a UT freshman fullback.

"We're always going to be friends," Turner said. "But I'm going to go where I fit best."

Turner has received scholarship offers from, UT, Miami, Virginia Tech, and USC. He said he has no leader.

Turner, Patrick (6-5, 210), WR, Goodpasture High School, Nashville

Turner is the best gem of a rich 2004 in-state recruiting class. Turner's father said he was leaning to Miami earlier this year. Since then, the Vols have closed ground.

Turner said he will not take an official visit to Knoxville because he is so familiar with the campus. However, he said that "definitely" does not rule out the Vols.

Turner has strong ties to Tennessee. Two of his uncles have attended UT. One still lives in Knoxville. Former Vol tailback Kurston Biggers is Turner's cousin.

Turner has worked extensively with former Vanderbilt star Corey Harris. Harris, a 12 year NFL veteran, met Turner as the Goodpasture star mowed his lawn. Although Turner has ties to Vanderbilt, it would be a huge surprise if a player of his caliber picked the Commodores.

Jonathan Crompton's commitment helps the Vols when it comes to Turner. The Waynesville, N.C., quarterback said he would stay in close contact with Turner in hopes of recruiting him to UT.

"I think it's a good thing that (Crompton) committed," Patrick's father, Steve, said. "That's a plus for Tennessee and a plus for Patrick."

Said Patrick jokingly: "He's as big a recruiter as Coach (Phillip) Fulmer. They need to hire him. To know he would be in my class, that would be cool."

Patrick is a consensus top-25 player in the nation.

Williams, Dan (6-3, 285), OL/DL, East High School, Memphis

Williams' versatility is a real positive. Unlike his line mate, Rawls (see above), he could play a number of offensive and defensive line positions.

His size makes most think of him as an offensive guard. However, his feet make offensive tackle an option. If Williams proves he can play with good leverage, he could get a shot at defensive tackle.

Others to Watch

Several other talented players are on Tennessee's radar. But don't expect a determination on these players soon. Vol coaches will use the fall to evaluate these players to determine if they fit Tennessee's needs.

Joseph Birdsong (6-3, 270), OG, Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville

Zane Bruhin (6-5, 320), OL, Powell High School, Powell.

Albert Harris, (5-9, 180), athlete, Austin East, Knoxville.

Anthony McAlister, (5-11, 218), LB, Austin East, Knoxville.

Garrett Reynolds (6-7, 250), OT, Carter High School, Knoxville.

Ty Evans (6-2, 202), QB, Lexington High School, Lexington.