Two more committed to join Vols

UT hit on two prospects over the weekend to give the Vols 21 verbal commitments for the 2005 class. One was expected; the other was not.

Memphis East High School offensive lineman Dan Williams has been a strong lean to UT since December. The 6-foot-3, 286-pounder was considering Auburn before committing to UT this weekend.

Williams is the News Sentinel's seventh rated prospect in Tennessee.

"That's my childhood team," Williams said in an earlier interview. "I grew up rooting for them. Since I was a little kid, that's the kind of place I wanted to go. That's the home-state team. I grew up loving them."

UT's second weekend commitment, Eugene Hayes from Greenville, Fla., was a pleasant surprise for UT. The 6-2, 210-pound linebacker from Madison County High School, is widely thought of as one of the top 100 players in the country.

"It was everything that I expected it would be," Hayes said of his official visit. "The mountains were nice. I really liked the scenery. I really got along well with the players. That was a big deal for me.

"It reminds me of my hometown. The team has the support of the town."

Hayes said he first became interested in UT in October, the same month he visited Georgia. Hayes has official visits scheduled to Clemson and Florida State this month.

"I am going to take my visits but that doesn't matter. I'm strong in my commitment," Hayes said.

Hayes said he believes he'll play weakside linebacker at UT and plans to play at 230 pounds.

Williams' teammate, fellow offensive lineman Malcolm Rawls, was a strong pull towards Knoxville. Rawls committed to UT on Dec. 14 and took his official visit to Knoxville this weekend with Williams.

"He's like my brother on and off the field," Williams said.

UT hosted 11 prospects for official visits and four previously committed to UT.

UT offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens primarily recruited Hayes. Hayes said UT linebacker Kevin Simon, who is from California, was an exceptional host.

"He's a real cool guy," Hayes said. "He told me that it wasn't a problem for him coming far from home. He said that sometimes you've got to be a man and leave home."

Visit: Miami defensive back Kenny Phillips is scheduled to arrive in Knoxville today for his official visit. Phillips is considering Miami and UT. He said he could make a decision during his trip to Knoxville.

Full Boat: UT is expected to sign 25 players in this year's class meaning their scholarships are rapidly running out.