Goggans still has Vols in the lead

Tennessee started strong out of the gates in the race for Michael Goggans. So far, the Vols still hold the lead.

The tight end/defensive end from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Ala., received a verbal scholarship offer from UT in May and a written offer in early June. Tennessee became an instant favorite for Goggans.

"In the beginning, Tennessee jumped on me pretty hard," the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder said. "I've always heard good things about Tennessee. They have a great tradition, great program, and they show a lot of pride in everything they do. That's just kept them on top."

Goggans grew up an Alabama fan but said he soured on the Crimson Tide when they did not offer him a scholarship until early June.

"When I was a young boy, it was my dream to play for the Crimson Tide," he said. "But since they just offered a couple weeks ago, that really set them back a little bit. Tennessee had already taken the lead. So I'd put (Alabama) in second place."

Goggans said Georgia, Auburn and Louisville round out his top five schools.

Goggans visited Knoxville last weekend for UT's one-day senior camp along with his high school teammate: quarterback Martevious Young. The trip only solidified Goggans' thoughts of UT.

"Since they were already on top it definitely kept them on top," Goggans said. "I wanted to see the stadium most of all because I heard they have a nice stadium. I was just shocked and amazed."

Goggans said he has talked a lot with Young and two other teammates, defensive end Demetrius Culpepper and linebacker LaBronski Hutchins, about attending the same college. Goggans said Clemson is a possibility for all four players right now.

"(Clemson head coach) Tommy Bowden called down here and gave us a package deal," Goggans said. "We were considering that. That would be great for all of us to go to the same school.

"We talk about it a lot. But I don't know right now. Tennessee's recruiting me pretty hard. They've been on top for a while and I think I'm going to keep them there."

Goggans said Young has received scholarship offers from Louisville and Clemson but is still waiting to hear from Tennessee and Alabama. Although the allure to continue playing with his high school teammates is strong, Goggans said in the end he will choose the school that fits him best.

Goggans said he is unsure of the position he will play in college but thinks tight end is the strongest possibility.

"I've been a three-year starter at tight end so I believe I have a pretty good feel for the game," Goggans said. "I've got good size to be a tight end. I've got a lot of power with good speed to back it up."

Goggans said he will lean heavily on his father for support during the recruiting process. His dad has already taken an active role.

"My father and I have been sitting down debating everything we can think about what goes on in college as far as academics and football as well," Goggans said. "He's not trying to talk me into going anywhere. I'll be talking to him about a certain college and he'll just back me up and give me his feedback on it.

"I told him Tennessee is on top right now and he told me that'd be a great program to go to since Fulmer has always had a winning record. He got a chance to go to Tennessee with me and he liked everything about it. So I think Tennessee is going to be on top for a while right now."