Scott to UT

Chris Scott committed to play football at Tennessee on Fox Sports Net Wednesday evening. Scott donned an orange UT hat leaving Florida feeling left on the hook.

Florida was the latest team to challenge the Vols for the Lovejoy lineman’s services. The 6-foot-5, 300 pounder was initially torn between Georgia and UT early last fall. Scott also considered Louisiana State before selecting the Vols.

"I just felt more comfortable there," said on Countdown to Signing Day. "I like the ability of the coaching staff. Coach (Phillip) Fulmer, Coach (Greg) Adkins and Coach (Jimmy Ray) Stephens were all offensive line coaches. With that much coaching, you’re set up for success."

Scott is a key acquisition for the Vols who have only two offensive linemen committed for the 2005 class, which is a bit light in the trenches. UT has only three defensive lineman committed.

Georgia’s early stall in the Scott race is curious. The Bulldogs seemed to have the inside track to landing the in-state star.

"They're not for me," Scott said. "They are recruiting me pretty hard. I let some of their coaches know where they stand."
Scott’s strongest tie to UT is Vol freshman offensive lineman Anthony Parker. The two played together at Lovejoy for three years. Scott said uniting the "Dynamic Duo" was an advantage for UT.

"I compare him and Anthony a lot," Lovejoy head coach Al Hughes said. "It’s not like they’re two big lineman that just block ahead. They’ve got lateral agility, flexibility, mobility, and, sometimes, hostility."
Scott is widely thought of as one of the top-100 prospects in the nation.

"He’s a man-mountain," Hughes said. "He’s a very quite and unassuming young man but he’s a great leader for us. He’s like E.F. Hutton. When he talks; people listen. As far as lineman, Chris is probably the best we’ve ever had."

Scott seemed genuinely enamored with UT head coach Phillip Fulmer throughout the recruiting process. That was never more evident than when Fulmer visited Scott earlier this month.

"Being in the same room with coach Fulmer means being in the room with one of the top coaches in college football," Scott said. "He carries himself as more than just a coach."