Tight end Stocker commits to Vols

Luke Stocker became UT's fourth football commitment for the Class of 2006, the Vols first since mid-March. The 6-foot-5 tight end from Madison Southern High School in Berea, Ky., pledged his services on Friday after receiving a scholarship offer earlier in the week.

"I've always been a Tennessee fan and I've always dreamed of playing there," Stocker said. "The opportunity arose for me to play for Tennessee. I couldn't pass it up."

Stocker spent five days on UT's campus last week. He attended Bruce Pearl's basketball camp from Sunday to Wednesday and UT's football camp on Friday.

Stocker could pursue both sports at UT but primarily is thought of as a football player.

"I talked to Coach Pearl and he said he's interested in me walking on if I'm interested," Stocker said. "It could be an option, definitely not my first year because I need to get acclimated with everything else that's going on with my schoolwork. My schedule will be real busy. I'd just like to see how things go."

UT has placed a strong emphasis on recruiting tight ends recently. The Vols signed Germantown's Jeff Cottam last year. This year, UT already has received a commitment from Powell's Lee Smith and is heavily pursuing Alcoa's Brandon Warren.

"They said that ever since (former Vol Jason) Witten's been gone, they've been looking for a tight end that'd be a good receiver, be real physical, fill that role and give them diversity on the offensive side of the ball," Stocker said, referring to the All-Pro for the Dallas Cowboys. "They think I'm the kind of guy that could help them do that."

Stocker said he also was considering Louisville and Virginia Tech until he met with UT coach Phillip Fulmer and offensive coordinator Randy Sanders and tight ends coach Greg Adkins this week.

"There are people around the state that say, 'I wish you could stay in state.' But they know, as far as being close to home, Tennessee is as good as it gets and they all support my decision," Stocker said when asked of potential in-state pressure from Kentucky or Louisville.

UT's other commitments for 2006 are Alcoa tailback Dustin Lindsey and Chattanooga Baylor offensive lineman Jacque McClendon.

With eight months until Signing Day, Stocker said UT fans need not worry about the strength of his commitment. Stocker said any planned visits have been canceled.

"It's just Tennessee now," he said. "I'm married now, I can't be dating."