UT answers Crompton concerns

UT quarterback commitment Jonathan Crompton's parents, David and Janet, drove to Knoxville intent on having their questions answered and concerns put to rest.

"The answers that Coach (Phillip) Fulmer gave me today (Monday) were very straight forward and very honest," David Crompton said. "In this whole process, I don't think they've lied to me. I think they've given me some politically correct answers.

"I didn't want politically correct answers. I wanted some information and I was glad I got it. I want to see Jonathan with a 'T' on his helmet."

David has played the part of devil's advocate for his son, always reminding him there are other collegiate options. David has been a Tennessee fan for decades but fatherhood far outweighs fandom.

Jonathan's dedication has never wavered despite the success of UT freshman quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer.

"It's caused a lot of turmoil in the Crompton household because Jonathan has been adamant," Janet said.

"I told coach Fulmer that I'm afraid to call people (other college recruiters) off because I don't know what's going to happen Coach Fulmer said, 'Jonathan wants to come here. Don't let him look back in 10 years and say, 'What if?'"

Knoxville has always seemed like home to the Cromptons, who are from Waynesville, N.C., especially on game days.

"He's so comfortable here," David said. "He's not comfortable at this level anywhere else. After the Auburn game, Erik (Ainge) and Jonathan were in a corner with their hands out drawing routes and talking about what went wrong."

Said Janet: "He really likes Erik he already considers him a teammate. I like that. That tells me Erik is going to accept Jonathan as a teammate."

David said he isn't sure what he will tell college coaches when they call about his son. He is sure that he wants the constant calls to stop. David said unequivocally that Jonathan will not take any official visits. That was not the case before Monday's visit.

"He was never close to de-committing," David said. "He was going to take some trips. But I don't think he really wanted to. His heart was always here."

David said his son is open to the idea of redshirting next year as long as he has a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job when he arrives on campus next summer.

"When this thing first started, there are stars in your eyes. You get in it and you realize that it's a business, a cut-throat, cold-blooded business.

"Coach Fulmer answered every question I had today (Monday). I had some tough questions. I put him on the spot. He gave me some straight-forward answers.

"I believe coach Fulmer. I want my son to play for coach Fulmer."

The Cromptons drove into Knoxville concerned. They left confident. Confident enough to add some orange items to the wardrobe.

Countdown Coker: UT tailback commitment LaMarcus Coker will be a featured guest on Countdown to Signing Day. The show airs on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. on Fox Sports South. UT offensive lineman prospect Michael Oher will also be featured.