Hooker: Alcoa's Lindsey firm on commitment to UT

"I hear it a lot," the 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back from Alcoa said when asked if he was planning to withdraw his verbal commitment to play football at Tennessee. "I get the questions a lot. The answer is: 'I'm solidly committed to Tennessee.'"

Lindsey said he believes the community and Internet scuttlebutt started because of a summer trip he took with teammate Brandon Warren as Warren inspected three of his candidate colleges. Warren and Lindsey, also a prospect at linebacker, visited Miami, Florida State and Louisiana State.

Shortly after his return, Warren, who plays tight end and defensive end, declared his intention to accept a scholarship to Florida State.

Lindsey said most schools, including those on the summer tour, have not shown strong interest since he committed to UT in mid-March.

"They're not really pursuing me like they were," Lindsey said. "I really think I got the point across that I was going to Tennessee. They understand that I'm already committed and they aren't pursuing me as hard as they would have (had I not committed early)."

Lindsey said he is happy for Warren and his Seminole decision. Despite a rooting interest, Lindsey said he wanted Warren to make the best decision for him.

"I'm happy he made the decision to go to Florida State but deep down inside I wanted him to come to Tennessee with me," Lindsey said.

This fall will be a busy time for Lindsey as he and his Tornado teammates defend their 2004 Class 2A state title.

Does Lindsey have any plans to visit any schools other than UT this fall?

"Not really, I bleed orange and white," he said. "Right now, I'm just worried about going 15-0 and winning another state championship."

Lindsey rushed for 1,377 yards and scored 29 touchdowns during the 2004 regular season. He rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the state title game to win the offensive MVP award.

Alcoa has several other Division I prospects. Quarterback Joei Feigler and lineman Martin White have been courted by several Atlantic Coast Conference and Conference-USA schools. White is Lindsey's cousin.