Hooker: Saban's move could help Tennessee's recruiting

When LSU's Nick Saban told the football world he was turning his back on Baton Rouge and making his long awaited jump to the NFL, UT was more than just an interested spectator.

Saban's decision last week to become coach of the Miami Dolphins gives new life to three recruiting battles the Vols arewaging with the Tigers.

First, there's Josh McNeil. McNeil was thought to be leaning toward LSU before Saban's announcement while UT looked like an eventual runner-up. The Vols will look to improve their position for the 6-foot5, 270-pound center from Collins, Miss.

UT probably didn't need help with Derrick Pegues, but they'll take it. Pegues (5-10, 185) from Batesville, Miss., was considering LSU but said he was leaning toward UT long ago. UT assistant Steve Caldwell has made a strong case for the Vols throughout the fall. Pegues played quarterback in high school but likely play defensive back in college.

"Big Mike" is the other UT prospect on LSU's radar. Michael Oher from Memphis is the top prospect in the state according to the News Sentinel. The 6-5, 330-pound offensive lineman is a top priority for the Vols. Ole Miss and Tennessee are still at the top but Saban's exit places LSU on shaky ground.

It's not impossible for LSU to rekindle Saban's recruiting flames. Florida has made every effort to make a smooth recruiting transition from Ron Zook to Urban Meyer. Meyer has maintained many of the same coaches on Zook's staff including his recruiting coordinator.

However, the stability of the program comes into question even if relationships are maintained. UT's strongest pitch to both Florida and LSU's prospects will be coach Phillip Fulmer's long coaching tenure and the fact that the staff is on stable ground.

Three's A Crowd: UT freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer has been the topic of radio talk shows and message boards all week.

Although there has been no solid evidence that Schaeffer is considering transferring, he seems like a likely candidate because of Erik Ainge's pre-injury depth chart ascension and some attitude issues that Fulmer addressed publicly at mid-season.

Jonathan Crompton's family is watching the scenario closely. David Crompton, Jonathan's father, has expressed concern that his son might have to compete with two young quarterbacks.

Although Crompton has been steadfast in his UT commitment, it seems unlikely that the Vols will have Ainge, Schaefer, and Crompton to start the 2005 season. With Ainge firmly in UT's plans, Schaefer or Crompton could be the odd man out.

The Williamses: UT fans shouldn't be too concerned that Memphis lineman Dan Williams has postponed his commitment announcement after taking his official visit to Auburn. UT is still in solid shape with Williams (6-3, 285).

The Williams family wants to be sure it shows Auburn the respect that the Tigers' recruiting effort deserves. Williams said he was close to committing to Tennessee after Memphis East teammate Malcolm Rawls picked UT on Dec. 15.

Fulmer will make an in-home visit next week. A commitment could follow. Coaches are allowed only one phone call to an each individual prospect this week.

Derrick Williams' Dec. 22 commitment to Penn State was a bit of a surprise. Oklahoma seemed to have the inside track and Florida had made up significant ground after the Greenbelt, Md., athlete wrote off the Gators in wake of Zook's firing.

There's not much that UT, or any program, can do to change the 6-foot, 190-pound receiver's mind. Williams will enroll in January.

UT gave it their all recruiting Williams, considered one of the top five prospects in the nation. Fulmer was the main contact for Williams and his family.

Top Award: Williams is a finalist for the Ball Park National Player of the Year Award, high school's Heisman equivalent. The award will be presented in San Antonio on Jan. 14. Williams is the only non-quarterback to be named a finalist.

Jake Christensen from Chicago, Ill., Greg Paulus from Syracuse, N.Y., Ryan Perrilloux from Reserve, La., and Mark Sanchez from Mission Viejo, Calif., also made the final cut.

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