The following is a feature exclusive to Govolsxtra.com. Periodically, Dave Hooker will visit with UT commitment Jonathan Crompton. Crompton, from Waynesville, N.C., is one of the highest rated quarterback prospects in the country. In June, he announced he is committed to playing football at UT as part of the 2005 Tennessee signing class. This week, Hooker caught up with Crompton just before the first game of his senior season. This is the first time Crompton has commented on UT elevating freshman quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer to the first team.

How excited are you to get your senior season started?

I can’t wait. I’ve just been watching movies waiting for the time to pass by. I want to win a state championship. To do that, we’ve got to take it one game at time. It seems like we’re bonding as a team and playing together more than any other team I’ve ever played on.

Why do you think team chemistry is so important?

You have to trust each other. If I screw up, my teammates have to trust that I’ll make a play and put the bad play behind me. For me, if a lineman misses a block then I’ve got to know it won’t happen again. You’ve got to have one heartbeat to be a champion.

What do you think of UT naming two freshmen as first team quarterbacks?

I’m glad for them. They’re going to be my teammates. I hope they do well.

Were you surprised?

Not really. I didn’t hear about it till my parents told me because I’m focusing on this season. I was a little bit (surprised) because I felt like C.J. (Leak) was doing good job. I really thought C.J. was doing a good job there.

Does it impact your decision to attend UT?

No. As of right now, I’m going to the University of Tennessee.

Do you enjoy competition?

Yeah. I really do. Competition is what makes great players. I was in middle school one year and I had to compete to start. I had confidence is myself to win it. I was in 7th grade. (The other quarterback) was in 8th. One practice I wasn’t having a good practice and they pulled me from first team. I got it back he next day.

When will you next visit Knoxville?

I will take my official visit for the Florida game or after season. Last year, I went to Mississippi State, Vandy, Georgia, and Fresno St. I’m going to all of the home games this year.

Have other schools been calling you since UT elevated the freshman quarterbacks?

A little bit. They say the same old stuff just a little more.