As the world Turners: dad adds to soap opera

The Nashville Goodpasture wide receiver's commitment on Wednesday surprised even his father. Steve Turner said USC shouldn't count his son as a commitment at this time.

"He is still questioning whether or not he made the right decision," Steve Turner said about the state's No. 2 prospect in the News Sentinel's Top 25. "If I were them, I wouldn't really count him until he signs on the paper."

Signing Day is Feb. 2.

Given the unpredictable nature of his recruitment and his habit of declining media interviews, little seems certain with the 6-foot-5, 210-pound star.

"Tennessee was looking like they were on top the whole time," Steve Turner said. "Some reason, all of a sudden, he decided to go with USC for right now."

Patrick Turner seemed genuinely torn between the Trojans and the Vols, especially just after postponing his decision that was originally scheduled for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio last Saturday. The indecision continues.

"He's looking at some of Tennessee's magazines and books," Steve Turner said. "I really didn't want to put any more pressure on him right now because I want to give him a moment to let it sink in. It's a real close decision. There are a lot of things going on inside his mind.

"He's a young guy, 17-years old. That's a big decision to make that's going to make a big difference not only for tomorrow but in the long run."

Steve Turner said one of his concerns from the past week was how the announcement surfaced. The Turner's planned to alert local media and, possibly, make an announcement on ESPN.

"The first time I heard was when a friend of mine gave me a call and said 'Congratulations.' I said, 'On what?' And then he said 'Your son's going to USC,' '' Steve Turner said. "I'm still doing some investigation on that and making sure what happened was what he (Patrick) wanted. I also let the school know that I don't appreciate that because they're not showing respect for the family and other people the way it happened."

Steve Turner said the family is considering a Jan. 29 visit to Knoxville to let his son evaluate UT one last time.

"California is a long way," he said. "He couldn't always come home whenever he wanted to at the drop of the hat. If that's his decision, we'll go with that and be behind him anywhere he goes."

"If he goes to Hawaii, that's fine. We'd be there for him. As far as family is concerned, many people from Tennessee would support him. The family members that he has here make a difference."

Turner said he expects UT coaches to visit soon. Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll will be in Nashville on Wednesday.

"It's not over until the paperwork is signed and the ink is on the paper," Steve said. "I just want to make sure that's the decision he wants to make. We're going to do everything we can to make sure that's what he wants, or if he decides to change his mind let him know that it is OK."

Rebel Rousing: Briarcrest Christian coach Hugh Freeze has been in the middle of speculation and criticism concerning Ole Miss' recruitment of his star player Michael Oher. The 6-5, 340-pound offensive lineman committed to the Rebels on Monday.

The Commercial Appeal reported last week that Freeze was being considered for a job at Ole Miss, a few days before Oher announced his commitment.

"We haven't talked in depth in a long time," Freeze said of discussions with the Rebels. "We talked early on. People don't realize that (Ole Miss assistant coach) Noel Mazzone and I have been friends for eleven years. We've been very close. The discussions that came about with me would have come about whether or not Michael was here. I know that's hard for people to believe."

"They've hired all their coaching staff. But you never know what other jobs they have open in the football department. Those discussions took place as soon as I knew Mazzone was coming with Coach (Ed) Orgeron."

Freeze said he and Mazzone first became friends when Mazzone, in a previous role with Ole Miss, was recruiting two of Freeze's players.

UT had several relationship obstacles to overcome for Oher's services. Oher's teammate, kicker Justin Sparks, is committed to the Rebels. Oher's guardians for the past two years are both Ole Miss graduates. Their daughter attends Ole Miss.

"I don't think at any time they tried to push him to Ole Miss.," Freeze said. "Now are they happy? Absolutely. His mother brought him to us a 10th grader. He's never had a father in his life. He didn't even know his real dad who has actually passed away."

Freeze said Oher's core grade point average is 2.1, still short of the necessary 2.5 needed to qualify for an SEC school. If he does not qualify, Memphis is a likely alternative because they are allowed to accept partial qualifiers as per Conference-USA rules.

"He's had to do a super job in the classroom just to get himself in position to qualify because of the lack of effort he put forth as a freshman," Freeze said.

Notebook: Waynesville, N.C., quarterback Jonathan Crompton was the only official visitor for the Vols this weekend. Crompton committed to UT in June. ... The Orange and White game is scheduled for April 16 at 3 p.m. Spring practice begins on March 10.