Q&A with Michael Goggans

The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder visited Knoxville last weekend for Tennessee's one-day senior camp along with his high school teammate, quarterback Martevious Young. Goggans has two other teammates who are considering UT: defensive end Demetrius Culpepper and linebacker LaBronski Hutchins.

Q: How was your trip to Knoxville?

A: It went great. It was my first time visiting the campus and I liked everything I saw. I was very pleased with everything. I got to see the athletic complex. That was real nice. I saw the weight room, film room and the practice field. I liked everything about it.

Q: What were your expectations of UT's campus before you came?

A: I expected to take a peek around campus and see how everything was operating and get a feel for the campus. I wanted to see the stadium most of all because I heard they have a nice stadium. I got to see that for the first time. I liked everything about the trip up there.

Q: What did you think when you saw Neyland Stadium?

A: I was amazed because I heard it seats close to 110,000 people. I was just shocked and amazed.

Q: What did Martevious Young think of the trip?

A: He thought it was an excellent trip also. He hasn't been offered up there but he said if he were to be offered he'd consider Tennessee on top.

Q: What schools are at the top of your list right now?

A: Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Louisville. That's in order.

Q: Why is Tennessee your leader right now?

A: In the beginning, Tennessee jumped on me pretty hard. They offered me pretty early. I grew up an Alabama fan. They offered about two or three weeks ago. Alabama probably would be on top because I was an Alabama fan growing up. But since they offered two or three weeks ago, that'd put Tennessee on top. 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.

Q: When did Tennessee officially offer you?

A: They gave me a verbal offer in May. I got a written offer this month in June.

Q: Do you think you will play tight end or defensive end in college?

A: Tennessee hasn't made up their mind yet. They're still debating on tight end, defensive end. But I look at myself as being a tight end right now. When I get on the college level it wouldn't be a big factor to me. I can play well at both positions.

Q: What are your strengths at tight end and defensive end?

A: I've been a three-year starter at tight end so I believe I have a pretty good feel for the game at tight end. I've got good size to be a tight end. I've got a lot of power with good speed to back it up. I could use my tight end abilities to my advantage on the defensive side of the ball. When a tight end tries to reach block me or base me out, I can feel how he grabs me or how his body is on me to tell me what kind of play is coming. Tight end is my primary position and that helps my defensive game out a lot.

Q: What coaches have you gotten to meet from UT?

A: Coach (Greg) Adkins, coach (John) Chavis, (head) coach (Phillip) Fulmer.

Q: Does anything stand out from your conversations with the coaches?

A: We talked before the camp really started. They were happy to see me up there and after the camp they were trying to talk about a visit during the season. I plan on making a visit either close to the end of the season or right after the season.

Q: When would you like to make your decision on which college you will attend?

A: I think I'll make a commitment right after football season. I want to take my visits and get a better outlook on some of the campuses even though Tennessee is on top right now. I still want to get an overview of my other top schools, too.

Q: With UT already being your leader, did your trip help or hurt the Vols at all?

A: Since they were already on top it definitely kept them on top. I got to visit around the facilities a little bit so it definitely didn't hurt them. They're still on top right now. I liked everything I saw. They have a great campus.

Q: What are some of the positives you see in choosing Alabama?

A: I've been a lifelong fan of the Crimson Tide. When I was a young boy it was my dream to play for the Crimson Tide. 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. I've been checking out some of the depth charts. Alabama is close to home, about a two hour drive from here. I've been to the Alabama campus several times and they have great tradition there. They have an excellent program. They always have one of the top defenses in the nation.

Q: Where does Auburn fit in?

A: They're probably about No. 4 on my list. I like everything about Auburn but I don't think I'd fit in too well up there. I talked to some of the coaches and I looked at the depth charts. They have a lot of tight ends and defensive ends returning. I don't think I'd fit in too well up there but I'm still considering them.

Q: How often do you talk with Culpepper, Hutchins and Young about attending the same college?

A: Demetrius Culpepper, Martevious Young, LaBronski Hutchins and I got a package deal to the University of Clemson. Tommy Bowden called down here and gave us a package deal. 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.

Q: How much interest do you have in Clemson?

A: They jumped on me pretty hard at the beginning. But they haven't called me this month. They used to be in my top five. But I'd rank them probably at No. 6. I know they have nice facilities down there. They're working on building on to the stadium I think. I know they always have a great program.

Q: If it came down to a choice between going to a college as a package deal with your teammates or a school that fits you best personally, which would you choose?

A: I'll look at it but I think I'll choose the school that fits me the best first. If it were to come down to the coaches offering Culpepper and Hutchins and me as a packaged deal to Tennessee, I believe that's where all of us will go because Tennessee is pretty high on their list, too.

Q: Where does Young stand with Tennessee?

A: He performed very well at the camp. I know he has offers from Louisville and Clemson. With his size, I think the Tennessee coaches told him he needs to gain a little weight and work on his speed a little bit. I don't know how that situation sits with him and Tennessee.

Q: How much help have you received from your family on the recruiting process?

A: They just told me it's going to be a long process and to just go through it and make my best decision. 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. We've been thinking about those things. He got a chance to go Tennessee with me and he liked everything about it. So I think Tennessee is going to be on top for a while right now.

Q: Is your father leaning toward any particular school right now?A: 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. He told me that'd be a great program to go to since Fulmer has always had a winning record. 'That's a legendary coach,' he told me. He told me that'd be a great school as far as academics. He told me they've always had one of the top-notch programs academic wise. Also they've got a great tradition in football. So he thinks very highly of Tennessee.