Brother could block Cottam's path to UT

Cottam took in the University of Tennessee sights this weekend. The Germantown High School tight end visited his brother, Brad, and UT football coaches.

"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."

Brad is a UT redshirt freshman tight end. His size (6-foot-8 and 260 pounds) and speed have Vol coaches excited.

Barring Jeff redshirting, he would compete with brother Brad for three years if he signed with Tennessee in 2005. Jeff said he would prefer to play immediately.

Jeff, 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, said he is determined to play tight end in college and would rule out any school that tries to move him to offensive tackle. That move is less likely after Jeff reportedly ran a 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds at the Nike camp in Atlanta.

"A lot of coaches started calling me after that," Jeff said.

Jeff said he plans to visit Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Notre Dame. Ole Miss is making a strong case for him .

Said Jeff: "It's real close (to home). It's a football town and the coaches are really nice."

Wide Open: Wide receiver Patrick Turner refuses to pick a college favorite.

"It's wide open," the Goodpasture star said. "Nobody's leading right now."

Turner is widely considered the top prospect in Tennessee.

Turner said Tennessee has done a "good job" recruiting him. Some close to Turner said Miami was the early leader before the Vols made a summer push.

Close contact is hard when it comes to recruiting Turner. The 6-5, 210 pound speedster declined most 2004 summer camp invitations, including the Vols' offer, to train privately.

Turner said he has been working out with former Vanderbilt star and 12-year NFL veteran Corey Harris for the last month. Harris plays strong safety for the Detroit Lions.

Looking West: The Vols appear to be in good shape with Harding Academy star Todd Cox. When asked what school he might choose, the Memphis linebacker said "probably Tennessee."

Cox said he has followed Tennessee since he was young, _but is in no hurry to make an announcement. He said he will decide after taking all five of his NCAA allowed official visits.

Cox, 6-2 and 195 pounds, has fielded scholarship offers from Oklahoma, Southern Cal, and LSU.

Crimson and Navy: Barron Huber has a decision to make. The Powell linebacker finds himself with two scholarship offers before even playing a down for the Panthers.

In April, Huber transferred from Central, where he played defensive end. Powell immediately moved the 6-2, 236 pounder to linebacker.

This summer, Huber attended football camps at Navy, Alabama, Marshall, Vanderbilt, Baylor and Tennessee. Last week, Huber received scholarship offers from Alabama and Navy.

"I think it helped me moving to linebacker," Huber said. "At the camps, coaches saw the footwork and agility I had been working on. I feel more natural at linebacker."

Powell coach Larry Stephens said he was limited when Alabama assistant coach Sparky Woods requested a highlight tape on Huber. Stephens sent Alabama all the tape he had on one of his newest players: two spring scrimmages.

Huber said he is flattered to be offered by Alabama and Navy but will take his time before making a decision. Huber will visit Arkansas and Auburn in the coming weeks.

"It makes all the hard work worth it," Huber said. "I'd go through it all again."

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