Linebacker Hayes says UT not No. 1

Eugene "Geno" Hayes said he is no longer a Tennessee commitment, sources tell the News Sentinel. If the 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker chooses another school, UT's number of commitments for the 2005 class from 21 from 20.

The Greenville, Fla., star committed to UT after an official visit to Knoxville on Jan. 15. Then, Hayes changed his mind after an official visit to Clemson on Jan. 22. Hayes was not available for comment.

The Vols should still feel good about their chances of landing Hayes. Phillip Fulmer's in-home visit is scheduled later this week.

UT coaches couldn't have felt completely comfortable with Hayes' decision to continue visiting schools after he committed to the Vols. Hayes tried to put coaches, media, and fans at ease by downplaying his impending visit schedule.

"I am going to take my visits but that doesn't matter. I'm strong in my commitment," Hayes said on Jan. 16.

Hayes is scheduled to visit Florida State next weekend. He is widely thought of as one of the top-100 players in the nation but has some serious hurdles to clear in order to qualify academically. National signing day is Feb. 2.

Slick Says: Tennessee has some ground to make up to secure Slick Shelley's commitment.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver from Fort Smith, Ark., had plenty of good things to say about his official visit to LSU this weekend.

"It's going to be tough," Shelley said of UT chances after his Baton Rouge trip. "It (LSU) was a great place. They have great facilities. Everything about it was great. The players that I hung around with were just like me."

Shelley was so impressed with LSU that he and his father had planned an announcement for Monday night upon his arrival from Cajun country. For now, that announcement is on hold.

"We were just talking about it," Shelley said of the postponed declaration. "LSU answered a lot of questions I had. I'm still staying open with both of them, (LSU and UT). I like LSU. They showed me a lot that I really like. If I see the same thing at Tennessee, it is going to be a tough decision. If I don't, I know the decision I'm going to have to make.

"I'm still taking a visit to Tennessee this weekend and I'll commit on signing day."

National signing day is Feb. 2. Until then, Shelley prudently refuses to pick a leader.

"I can't do that because I've never seen Tennessee," said the Southside High School star. "If you go to one place and have never been anywhere else, you're going to like that one place."

Cosby Show: UT is hoping for a mid-week visit from Quan Cosby, a 2001 Texas signee, who has played professional baseball for the last four seasons for the Anaheim Angels farm system.

Cosby was recruited in 2001 by then-Baylor assistant coach Trooper Taylor. Taylor is UT's running backs coach. After signing with the Longhorns, Cosby was drafted in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft.

Cosby was one of Texas' top high school players in 1999 and 2000. He was named USA Today second team All-USA in 2001 as a quarterback leading Mart High School to two 2A state championship games, winning the title in 1999.

Cosby racked up 6,177 yards of total offense with 85 touchdowns (55 rushing and 30 passing) during his junior and senior seasons. Cosby also racked up 480 tackles and 21 interceptions.

In track, Cosby won the 100- and 200-meter dash at the Texas state track meet. He is also looking at Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor.

Recruiting Trail Mix: Memphis linebacker Todd Cox said he is still firmly committed to UT despite a visit to Ole Miss over the weekend. Nashville defensive end Barry Turner said he is considering Nebraska, Vanderbilt, and UT.