The Commonwealth is calling.

Tennessee is looking north as it tries to woo football star Brandon Logan from Lexington, Ky.

Initially, it would seem that Logan would be tough to lure to Knoxville. Logan's brother, John, is a freshman wide receiver for the hometown Kentucky Wildcats.

Logan, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker at Lexington Catholic, said that affect won't his decision?

"It's all going to be where I feel most comfortable," said Logan.

"I would like to be a part of winning tradition where the players are used to winning. That would push me more to be a better player."

Logan has five scholarship offers he is considering: Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, and Florida.

Logan said he believes that many schools decided not to recruit him because they assume he will go to Kentucky to play with his brother. "I'm open to everybody at this phase," Logan said.

"Brandon is a difference maker," Lexington Catholic coach Bob Sphire said. "He is the kind of guy that gets the motor running and sets tempo. He can run to the football and is athletic enough to play in space. He'll hit you too. When he brings it, he brings it."

Under Sphire, Lexington Catholic has had prospects sign football scholarships with Michigan, Syracuse, Louisville, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.

"None of those guys are Brandon Logan," Sphire said. "He is the most athletic linebacker we've ever had. It's hard to find a kid that is that physical and is so skilled athletically."

Sphire said he thinks that UT defensive coordinator John Chavis's track record of producing NFL players will be a factor in Logan's decision.

"I think anytime you're serious about football, that's got to be attractive," Sphire said. "Obviously coach Chavis has a great reputation."

Close To The Vest: Josh Briscoe refuses to tip his recruiting hand. The Lawndale, N.C., wide receiver said he is still looking at eight schools: Tennessee, Duke, N.C. State, Georgia, Nebraska, Virginia, and Clemson. Briscoe said he will whittle that list down to five later this month.

Asked if UT would be in that final mix, Briscoe said, "That's a real good possibility."

Briscoe's strongest tie to the Vols is Waynesville, N.C., quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Crompton committed to play for UT in June.

"I talk to Jonathan once or twice a week," Briscoe said. "I talk to his family everyday."

The tight knit relationship developed in the late summer heat at Neyland Stadium as the Vols played Fresno State last year.

"We were at that game and it was real hot," Briscoe said. "Both of our parents went to the recruiting room and watched the game on TV. As we kept checking on them, that's how we met."

Briscoe said Crompton's commitment to Tennessee is a factor, but, ultimately, the 6-3, 175 pounder wants to go where he can make the biggest impact.

"I told him I'm going to make my decision based on what's best for me," Briscoe said. "We've talked about possibly playing together. He has a strong arm and quick release. He's a real good person and he really loves football."

The common bond between Briscoe and Crompton is their love for football.

"I play football with a passion," Briscoe said. "Some guys just play because they can or they're getting paid for it. I love the game. Even if I don't make it on the next level, then I want to come back and coach somewhere."

Briscoe's passion for the game is matched by his confidence in his potential. Briscoe said he emulates two wide receivers: Minnesota Viking Randy Moss and Oakland Raider Jerry Rice.

Briscoe said he wants to be known as a receiver that can catch the deep ball like Moss while outsmarting defenders like Rice. For now, Briscoe said his options are as wide open as Rice in his prime.

"Some people think I'm going to N.C. State because I camped there two years, Briscoe said. "Others say Tennessee because Jonathan is going there. I'm going to go wherever it is best for me. Anybody has a real good shot."

Other to Watch: UT has shown strong interest in defensive lineman/tight end prospect James McKinney (6-7, 280) of Louisville Central. He has offers from several schools including Oklahoma, Michigan, and Ohio State.

UT is evaluating Kenny McKinley (6-0, 170 pounds). McKinley plays quarterback for South Cobb in Mableton, Ga. However, his athleticism could allow him to play any number of positions in college. McKinley has offers from Duke, North Carolina, and Vanderbilt.

Slow Down: Don't expect many public commitments over the next couple of weeks. Most prospects are preparing for their senior high school season while college coaches are holding pre-season camp.

Official visits will coincide with the beginning of the college season. That is the time to expect further developments.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hooerd@knews.com or 865-342-6327.