Tennessee's recruiting strength is its on-field weakness.

The Vols have placed themselves at the front of the line for defensive back Demetrice Morley of Killian High School in Miami. Morley, who is widely thought of as one of the top 100 players in the country, said his mind is set and Tennessee is the leader.

"It's going to happen at the U.S. Army (all-star) Game," Morley said when asked when he will make his decision public. "I really like Tennessee a lot.

"I think Tennessee is a real good school. I can make a real big impact. There's an opportunity to come in and do good things for that school."

Morley's opportunity at UT is obvious. The Vols have struggled at safety this season. The struggles have been so dire that they were forced to slide All-SEC cornerback Jason Allen to safety. The problems have even made defensive coordinator John Chavis (gasp) conservative.

Morley could provide immediate help. He said he is willing to play safety or cornerback but, given UT's need and his skills, expects safety to be the likely scenario.

"I have speed to play both," Morley said. "I'm versatile. I don't have a favorite. I make big plays at either one.

"I can be the missing link to the chain."

The Morley recruiting timeline starts next week. Morley said he will visit Knoxville on Oct. 23 for the UT-Alabama game. Then, UT will wait for the U.S. Army exhibition game on Jan. 15 as Morley visits Michigan, North Carolina State, Florida, and, maybe, Miami.

Morley will be tempted by North Carolina State. Five former Killian teammates play in Raleigh. No matter.

"Just because my friends go there doesn't mean I'm going to go there," Morley said.

Michigan has a certain lure. Morley, who is often compared to Charles Woodson, would love to relive Woodson's Heisman experience. Still, Morley prefers the SEC.

Florida appears to be falling fast. Morley said Gators coach Ron Zook's reportedly shaky status was a factor in his decision to withdraw his July commitment to Florida.

"I changed my mind because when I really looked at it, college is a business," Morley said. "You never know what's going to happen to a college coach."

And then there's Miami. Annually, the Hurricanes stock their roster with local talent. Why would Morley be any different? Well, their roster is stocked with local talent.

"He wants to contribute right now," said Killian coach Antron Wright. "He's not going to Miami."

Wright coached at Killian last year before moving on to start a community help program called On Track. Wright signed a free-agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens after playing linebacker at Bethune-Cookman.

"The young man is probably one of the best all around athletes that I've ever seen in my life," Wright said. "This kid is amazing. He can play right now.

"Every school in the country is so heavy on Demetrice that I had to change my cell phone number a couple of times."

Wright said the 6-foot-1, 187-pounder ran 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash this summer. Wright said Morley has a 40-inch vertical leap and squats 500 pounds.

"His lower body is like a grown man," Wright said.

Morley has recruited UT almost as much as UT has Morley. Morley researched prospective schools' depth charts and academics.

"In college you have to be greedy," Morley said. "By greedy, I mean you have to prepare yourself for the next level (NFL)."

Several factors make Morley a likely Vol. Aside from the Vols' need in the defensive backfield, Morley said UT's strong academic program is a plus. So is Morley's budding relationship with Tennessee running backs coach Trooper Taylor, who is recruiting Morley.

Morley's athletic career began in the Bahamas while living with his father from fifth to eighth grade. With no football, Morley ran track and played basketball, often with much older athletes. Morley, a football fan, longed to try out his skills on the field.

After moving to Miami, Morley's football success soon followed. Morley has 16 career interceptions, five shy of the school record set by Derrick Gibson of the Oakland Raiders.

Ultimately, Morley will have to say "no" to several schools before saying "yes" to UT. Is it likely Morley will pass over so many schools to make the trek to Knoxville? The answer will lie in Morley's South Florida support system.

"When you have kids that have a good support base, they're not afraid to step out," Wright said.

UT fans hope for sturdy support until National Signing Day.

All-Star Prospects: The U.S. Army high school All-Star Game will feature several potential Vols. In addition to Morley, UT commitments LaMarcus Coker and Jonathan Crompton likely will participate. Goodpasture wide receiver Patrick Turner will almost assuredly receive an invitation.

The game is held in San Antonio, Texas, and televised by NBC.

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