Raymond Small sees an opportunity at Tennessee.

The wide receiver from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, will visit Tennessee this weekend. Small said he is looking for a school that will offer him early playing time.

After talking with UT offensive line coach Greg Adkins, Small sees a chance to help the Vols immediately.

"He said he’d give me an opportunity to start," the 5-foot-10, 173-pounder said. "That’s all I need is an opportunity. Wherever I go, I’m trying to play my first year."

Small said his biggest asset is the ability to make plays. He said the UT coaching staff has stressed that is a serious need.

"They said to get back on track they need people like us, people that will make plays," he said. "They said they don’t really have too many people that are making any plays."

Small is also considering Southern California, Ohio State, North Carolina and Michigan State. Small said UT, USC and Ohio State are his three favorites.

UT struggled through a disappointing season in 2005 with a 5-6 record. Still, Small said that doesn’t change the way he perceives the UT program.

"I know that they always had a winning program except for this year," he said. "I know that they have the best weight training program and facilities. I think it’s a real great program."

Small will be accompanied to Knoxville by two of his teammates, quarterback Arvell Nelson and defensive end Robert Rose.

Small said he would welcome an opportunity to play with Nelson, a player he is close with on and off the field.

"I would like to play with my quarterback," he said. "He’s my best friend. We have a real close relationship."

With the struggling play of sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge last season, Small said Nelson would have a great chance to help the Vols right away.

"He’s got great field vision," Small said. "He doesn’t lock on one player too many times and he’s got the ability to get away from tackles. I feel if Arvell gets in there he’s going to play early."

Small has taken an official visit to USC and Ohio State. He said he has felt pressure to play for the in-state Buckeyes. Ohio State has five players that attended Glenville, including quarterback Troy Smith, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and safety Donte Whitner.

"There’s a lot of pressure because most of the guys from my school go to Ohio State," he said. "Everybody knows you inside your state. That’d probably be the only advantage."

"They told me it’s pretty much like Glenville. They treat you like a family."

During his trip to Knoxville this weekend, Small said he will look to see how he would fit in with the UT program.

"I’m going to look at my major (sport management)," he said. "I’m going to look and see if I can get on the field early. I’ll talk to some of the players and see what they’re talking about."