UT looking to add more in-state recruits

UT is seriously interested in at least a dozen Tennessee prospects. In a typical recruiting year, that number is less than 10.

UT has seven commitments from the state of Tennessee. Now, they'll set their sights on the following players:

• Michael Oher is a top priority. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman from Memphis Briarcrest Christian High School is the highest rated prospect in the state according to the News Sentinel. Oher will meet with Ole Miss' new coaching staff before making a decision.

• Patrick Turner is tougher to speak to than Howard Hughes in his later years. The 6-5, 210-pound wide receiver from Goodpasture has expressed concern that UT is too much of a running team. Still, family pressure to stay close to home should keep UT in the picture until February.

• Barry Turner's choices are coming into focus. The 6-3, 235 pound defensive end prospect from Brentwood Academy will visit UT on Jan. 15 and Virginia Tech on Jan. 29. Turner's relationship with UT freshman fullback David Holbert, who played at Brentwood, should help the Vols recruit Turner.

• Dan Williams of Memphis East said he will make a decision early this week after visiting Auburn. The 6-3, 285-pound lineman is a close friend of Memphis East lineman Malcolm Rawls, who committed to UT on Tuesday.

• Darius Myers of Cordova would be a much higher rated prospect if not for academic concerns. Myers may be forced to attend a junior college before signing with a Division I school. Coaches love the 6-4, 315 pound lineman's potential. Myers loves UT.

Morley Is Firm: Demetrice Morley has been the source of plenty of speculation. Recruiting skeptics say the South Florida defensive back is not firmly committed to UT. Distance and a previous Florida commitment fuel the fire.

"People ask, 'Are you 100 percent committed?'" said the 6-1, 190-pound star. "I say 'No, I'm not 100 percent, I'm 150 percent.' "

Morley, one of the top 100 players in the nation, said some of the calls from other coaches have started to slow down. One continues to be persistent.

Newly hired Florida coach Urban Meyer is trying to rekindle some of Ron Zook's old recruiting flames, including Morley's.

"It doesn't affect me at all," Morley said of Meyer's recruiting attempts. "I don't know him at all. He's trying to recruit me but I don't care because I'm focused on Tennessee."

There is a slim chance that Morley could be a mid-term enrollee at UT in January. More likely, he will enroll next summer.

High Octane: Upon his arrival, UT assistant coach Trooper Taylor was the talk of spring practice. The running backs coach had the consistent energy of the Energizer bunny after a triple espresso.

Taylor's high-energy style included celebrating with teammates and challenging them from across the field. So far, Taylor is more than matching that intensity on the recruiting trail.

"When I see him he always gives me a chest bump," said Rawls. "He's a real players' coach, a real personable coach. He's just a high-energy guy."

Taylor's tireless recruiting itinerary this week included Memphis, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida.

Cox Is All Vol: UT fans should have never doubted that Harding Academy's Todd Cox would end up at Tennessee after a News Sentinel summer interview in Memphis.

"His room is covered in Tennessee stuff," Harding coach Paul Simmons said of his star linebacker. "When I first got here (eight years ago), being an Arkansas fan, I would give him a hard time when the Vols lost. But he stayed a Tennessee fan for a long time."

No amount of chiding was going to change Cox's mind. He committed to UT on Tuesday.

During an interview with the News Sentinel at Harding Academy, Cox tried to downplay the depth of his desire to play in Knoxville. Cox wanted to take some official visits, tour the country, and enjoy the recruiting process. Then, his phone rang. Cox pulled out an orange cell phone with "Vols" on the cover.

In that interview, Cox said that any school would have a major uphill battle if they hoped to draw him away from Tennessee. Cox listened to LSU, Oklahoma, and Southern Cal. Then, he politely turned them away.

Cox grew up watching UT linebackers Raynoch Thompson and Al Wilson. Wilson's play struck a chord and the chance to follow in their footsteps was something Cox could not pass up.

Cox still has some academic issues to clear up.

Long Shot: There is yet another West Coast school facing off against UT in the Jonathan Stewart recruiting battle. According to Timberline coach Kevin Young, Stewart was fond of Tyrone Willingham when Notre Dame was recruiting the 5-10, 225 pound tailback.

Now that Washington has hired Willingham, look for the Huskies to throw their hat into the Stewart recruiting ring. Stewart, one of the top tailbacks in the nation, visited Knoxville last weekend. The visit was hampered by a stomach flu. UT's shot at landing Stewart is slim at best.

Middle-Man Mathis: UT commitment Andre Mathis' 225-pound frame seems to be the perfect size for UT's defensive system. UT's two middle linebackers this season, Jason Mitchell and Kevin Simon, are both listed at 225.

Mathis was the leading tackler at Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pa., with 85 tackles in 10 games. He had 31 solos and 54 assists. Mathis also had 1.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles.

On offense, Mathis played fullback and tight end. Mathis rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. He was second on the team with 13 receptions which netted him four scores.

Area Roundup: Powell offensive lineman Zane Bruhin, completing his academic requirements, is still mulling over his three most significant offers: Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Marshall. South Carolina appears to have the inside track.

Central cornerback Terence Scott has received an offer from Carson-Newman according to Bobcats coach Joel Helton. Scott is considering a visit to Marshall. Tusculum College is also in the picture.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.