Tennessee 'the best place' for Myers

The Cordova, Tenn., star committed to UT during his official visit to Knoxville this weekend.

"I think I chose the best place for me," the 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman said. "I'm really excited about the decision I made. I'm ready to be a Vol and help them get to a national championship."

Myers was one of three official visitors this weekend to commit. Arkansas wide receiver Slick Shelley and Franklin kicker David Campbell also visited Knoxville.

The short list resulted in more one-on-one time between prospects and coaches.

"They had more time to spend with me and talk to me about what I have to do to get eligible and stay focused," Myers said.

Myers committed to Memphis earlier this month, in part, because of the Conference-USA school's ability to accept non-qualifiers. Myers, a lifelong UT fan, picked UT and a likely prep school or junior college stopover instead of immediate college acceptance at Memphis.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman helps fill a serious need for UT's 2005 class. Light on offensive linemen earlier this week, UT's class has been bolstered by two recent commitments. Along with Myers, Lovejoy, Ga., offensive lineman Chris Scott was the latest to announce his intentions to sign with the Vols. He will make it official Wednesday, which is National Signing Day.

UT now has four offensive linemen committed. Memphis East star Malcolm Rawls committed to UT in December. Mississippi center Josh McNeil committed to UT earlier this month.

Myers patiently waited for UT's scholarship offer. The Vols had concerns about Myers' academic status as they pursued other high-profile offensive lineman. As others spurned UT, Myers' potential became a more viable option.

Myers has played only two years of football but displayed enough talent to be rated the 14th-best prospect in Tennessee by the News Sentinel.

"He's an outstanding offensive lineman," Cordova head coach Lynord Crutchfield said. "He's very athletic and runs very well. He's scratching the surface right now. The sky is the limit. I have had a lot of college coaches come in and say this kid could be a millionaire someday."

Myers' host on his UT visit was sophomore offensive lineman Eric Young. One of the highlights of the trip was his first face-to-face meeting with UT coach Phillip Fulmer.

"I've talked to him but I've never met with him," Myers said. "It was great experience. He's a great mentor."

UT has 22 football commitments. They likely will sign 25 prospects for the 2005 class.

South Florida Update: Tennessee has tried hard to dip into south Florida for its 2005 class. The news coming out of the Miami area is good and bad for UT fans.

The (Fort Lauderdale) Sun Sentinel reported that south Florida prospects Vladimir Richard and Gerald Williams favor UT. Richard is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive lineman from Sunrise. Williams is a 6-4, 225-pound linebacker/defensive end from Lauderdale Lakes.

The two close friends visited Arizona State this weekend because of their relationship with ASU coach Bill Miller, who coached at Florida until Ron Zook was fired. Both committed to Florida last fall then opened their recruitment after Zook was fired.

The Sun Sentinel said Richard may end up at Georgia and Williams at Florida State - schools which recruited one, but not the other.

Staying Home?: The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Miami safety Kenny Phillips likely will sign with the Hurricanes instead of the Vols.

The south Florida paper wrote the 6-2, 195-pounder told Miami coaches last week during an official visit that he intends on playing for Miami.

Recruiting Trail Mix: UT quarterback commitment Jonathan Crompton was in a traffic accident during a weekend visit to Knoxville. Crompton said he was not hurt in the one-car incident. The wreck happened in slick conditions on the interstate. Texas defensive back Quan Cosby will make a commitment announcement Tuesday morning.