Vols get commitment from Miami's Morley

"Tell all the fans they can start singing Rocky Top," said UT's most recent commitment Demetrice Morley.

Morley said Sunday night he has committed to play football at Tennessee, making his decision during his weekend trip to Knoxville.

"My trip was fun," said an excited Morley. "I love the stadium. I love the fans. I love the city. And I love the coaches."

At 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, Morley said he will likely play safety at UT but has the ability to play cornerback. Morley, who is widely thought of as one of top 100 players in the nation, initially planned on making his announcement at the U.S. Army All-Star game in mid-January.

Morley said those plans changed when he realized he could graduate early by taking classes online. Morley hopes to enroll at UT in January.

"I'm ready to go to college," Morley said. "I wanted to gear up yesterday (Saturday) and play."

UT coaches best not relax with Morley until signing day in February. Morley, who withdrew his commitment to Florida earlier this month, said he will visit N.C. State and Auburn. Still, Morley said there is no reason for concern.

"I'm sure," Morley said of his decision to commit to UT. "I'm very confident. I love Tennessee. It's a good place for me."

Morley said Florida's recent woes were one reason he de-committed from Florida. The Gators are 4-3 and lost to Mississippi State 38-31 on Saturday.

Morley said the fact that Florida head coach Ron Zook seems to be on shaky ground was another factor in his decision. Fulmer's stability at UT was undoubtedly a plus for Morley.

"If coach (Phillip) Fulmer gets fired then I'm not going (to UT)," Morley said jokingly. "I know that's not going to happen. He's been there for 12 years."

Florida's woes may continue to create opportunities for the Vols.

Two of Morley's friends have recently decided to consider Tennessee. Morley said Vladimir Richards and Gerald Williams, both Florida commitments, will visit Tennessee on Nov. 6 for the Notre Dame game.

Richards is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end from Sunrise High School in Piper. Williams is a 6-foot-4, 226- pound linebacker/defensive end from Boyd Anderson High in Lauderdale Lake.

Morley's relationship with UT running back coach Trooper Taylor and the chance for immediate playing time were two of the initial draws to Tennessee. Morley said a budding relationship with UT defensive back coach Larry Slade and safety Jason Allen strengthened his resolve.

"He was the first person I met," Morley said of Allen. "He plays just like me; getting everybody hyped up. He's got the same intensity."

Morley is the seventh commitment of UT's 2005 recruiting class. Chattanooga defensive tackle Demonte Bolden, who signed with UT in February 2004, is the eighth prospect to likely sign with the Vols in February 2005.

Bolden did not qualify academically and is attending Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. UT will likely sign between 18 to 20 prospects.