Tennessee's interest in Chris Smelley could come at a perfect time. The quarterback from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is thought to feel a bit snubbed by Alabama as the Tide pursues Tim Tebow, the highly touted star from Nease High School in St. Augustine, Fla.

The knock on Smelley is that he plays 1A football, the lowest level of high school football in Alabama. Crimson Tide fans are quick to point out that Brodie Croyle had success in college after a 1A high school career.

It could be tough for UT if Alabama decides to get back in on Smelley as its Tebow backup plan. Smelley's home and high school are located just a few miles from Alabama's campus.

Tebow plans to reveal his college choice at 5 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN.

UT is also in the hunt for Mitch Mustain, the quarterback from Springdale High School in Springdale, Ark. Mustain has been in the news this week with reports that he has withdrawn his commitment to Arkansas and opened up his college options.

Mustain's status with Arkansas is uncertain but a source close to UT said those within the program feel good about the progress they've made. Mustain is one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the country and is being courted by some of UT's best recruiters.

The plot thickened on Friday when Arkansas hired Mustain's coach, Gus Malzahn, as offensive coordinator.

Steve Caldwell began recruiting Mustain initially. Since then, Fulmer and newly hired offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe have been instrumental in his recruitment.

Since 1993, Cutcliffe has coached three quarterbacks who have been selected in the top three picks of the NFL draft: Heath Shuler (3), Peyton Manning (1) and Eli Manning (1).

If UT can pull Mustain to Knoxville, the Vols will have had an amazing run of quarterback signees. In 2003, UT signed Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge. Then, the Vols signed Jonathan Crompton last season. All were considered top-rated prospects coming out of high school.

Despite the success, prospects apparently don't view UT as a program loaded with quarterbacks once they consider Schaeffer's departure, Ainge's struggles and Crompton's surgery.

Still, there should be plenty of competition under center.