Alcoa High School football coach John Reid was one of the first to notice that Brandon Warren is a different man.

"It's great," Warren said of the glow still surrounding his July commitment to play football at Florida State. "The other day, Coach Reid said he could tell that I had a lot off my shoulders just in the way that I've been carrying myself. On the practice field, you can tell that I'm more laid back."

The 6-2, 230-pound Warren has added another honor to his high school legacy. He was named the News Sentinel's top prospect in Tennessee prior to the Tornadoes season-opener.

"I know that it's preseason but to be named the number one player in the state is a great honor," said Warren. "There are some great players in the state."

Warren, who could play tight end or defensive end in college, said interest in him has slowed since his summer announcement. However, Oklahoma, Louisiana State, Miami and Florida have continued to call.

Warren doesn't seem worried about that. He's more concerned about winning a state title and achieving first-team All-America status, a personal goal.

The buzz around Warren began last spring. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer was one of many elite coaches to visit Alcoa during the spring-evaluation period. Miami, Florida State, Oklahoma and LSU also were among the schools trying to get a head start on wooing Warren.

In the end, Warren surprised many by picking the Seminoles shortly after a visit to Tallahassee in June. He cited childhood fandom and an immediate opportunity to play tight end as the chief reasons for his decision.

Warren is everything a college coach could want. He's big, strong and athletic.

He caught 25 passes for 476 yards and seven touchdowns and had eight sacks during the 2004 regular season.

His ball-handling skills set him apart from most other tight end prospects. You notice his exceptional hands when he's playing football or basketball.

This is truly a football renaissance for Alcoa, which won three Class A state championships from 1977 to 1979 and its first AA title in 1989. The Tornados returned to championship form last season, winning the Class AA crown for the third time.

The 1989 team, with wide receiver Billy Williams and tight end Shannon Mitchell, has long been called one of the school's most-talented team. Williams played for UT. Mitchell played several years in the NFL after a college career at Georgia.

Alcoa has four players listed on the News Sentinel's top 25 preseason prospects in Tennessee.

Outside of Alcoa, it's not the best year for college recruiters scouting Tennessee talent, especially compared to last year. There are probably only half as many prospects as in the 2004 recruiting class.

But there is a good bit of top-tier talent. More than 15 prospects probably will sign with upper-level Division I schools.

Dave Hooker may be reached at 865-342-6327.