Chris Smelley might not have been many schools' first choice. The decision by the quarterback from Tuscaloosa, Ala., to attend South Carolina, however, will send shockwaves across the SEC.

Smelley's decision to be a Gamecock could have some schools, including Tennessee, scrambling. Smelley was a viable option, backup or otherwise, for UT and Alabama before committing to play for the Gamecocks last weekend.

Smelley was one of the last pocket passers left on UT's recruiting board.

Mitch Mustain from Springdale High School in Springdale, Ark., is the best remaining option. Mustain, though, could still be headed to Arkansas after his head coach, Gus Malzahn, was hired as the Razorbacks' offensive coordinator.

Reports have varied on Mustain, who is not taking many calls. The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas has reported that Mustain -- one of the top quarterbacks in the nation -- has reopened his recruitment because of the firing of former Arkansas coach Roy Wittke to clear the way for Malzahn.

The Smelley commitment could put the Crimson Tide in a bind if they don't secure a commitment from Tim Tebow of Nease High School in Saint Augustine, Fla. Tebow is one of the top prospects in the nation.

Alabama's quarterback situation could become dire with no Tebow and no Smelley back-up plan.

"I just knew it was the right place for me," Smelley told The State in Columbia, S.C. "Coach (Steve) Spurrier is a big draw and ... I see a fit with their offense. That was another reason I decided it was the place for me. What they do works to my strength."

UT surely is keeping the athletic option at quarterback open, especially if Mustain doesn't pan out. Isiah Williams from Chicago Vocational School and Arvell Nelson from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, are two possibilities.

Williams is committed to Illinois. Nelson took his official visit to UT this weekend and also is considering Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin. He has long said he is leaning to Iowa.

Recruiting Tidbit: A source close to Jacque McClendon's recruiting said he will likely cancel his upcoming official visits to Florida and Auburn after an enjoyable official visit to Knoxville last weekend.

The lineman from Baylor School in Chattanooga was UT's first commitment of the 2006 class when he declared his intentions in December 2004. McClendon later announced he would take other official visits.

The 6-0, 300-pounder is widely considered one of the nation's top 100 prospects.