Defensive end Culpepper likes Vols, but family likes Auburn

The defensive end from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Ala., said UT is his leader, ahead of Clemson and Auburn. Culpepper became interested in the Vols after researching UT’s defense.

"They had the No. 1 defensive line this past year, I’ve been looking up on that," the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder said. "They’ve got a reputation in Knoxville. Let’s go ahead and keep it going."

Culpepper said he believes UT’s defense relates to his style of play.

"I’d fit in well," he said. "They go all out. It’s a wild bunch and that’s right down my alley."

Culpepper missed a trip to Knoxville last weekend with two of his high school teammates: tight end Michael Goggans and quarterback Martevious Young. Culpepper said he has spoken with Goggans, Young and, yet another highly recruited teammate, linebacker Labronski Hutchins, about attending the same college.

"We talk about it all the time," Culpepper said. "We’re all like, ‘We should all go to the same college.’"

UT may have impressed Culpepper, but his family isn’t sold on the Vols. Culpepper said he has felt plenty of pressure from his family to choose Auburn thanks, in part, to proximity. Auburn’s campus is only 40 miles from Alexander City.

"They’re already trying to lean on me but I’m not leaning with them," he said. "I’m just trying to scope it out and see what’s best.

"(Auburn) is just a family name. Mostly everybody from Alexander City usually goes to Auburn. It’s close to home and I’ve been a fan my whole life."

One family member Culpepper can lean on for advice is his cousin, Scottie Vines. Vines plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions after attending Wyoming.

"I always talk with him and see what’s going on," Culpepper said. "He just tells me what to expect?He told me to look at the depth charts of all the schools that are recruiting me and see if I’m going to really be able to play. I want to play end. Some colleges still try to recruit you when they don’t need an end."

Culpepper said he is unsure of when he will make a decision on his college destination because he also plays basketball and hopes to play both in college.

"I’m playing basketball so I’m going to have a bunch of decisions to make," Culpepper said. "Football is my No. 1 sport for me because that’s what everyone is looking at me in, but I like basketball better."