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Check the weight limit on that recruiting towrope. Perry Riley is going to be a tough pull.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Riley seems nearly intent to play his college football at Georgia, just a 60-mile drive from his hometown of Stone Mountain, Ga.

"They have an early lead," the Stephenson High School star said of the Bulldogs.

Riley’s parents are part of the driving force behind the push to become a Bulldog. Riley said his family prefers Georgia’s proximity and the relationship they have built with the persistent Georgia recruiters.

"They say it’s a good football program, one of the best in the nation, and I can’t go wrong going there," Riley said of his parental advice. "They want me to go to Georgia because it’s close to home but I haven’t made up my mind yet. I want to make my decision instead of my parents’ decision."

Riley maintains that he is still considering all of the schools that have extended a scholarship offer. UT, Georgia, LSU, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi State headline that list. So far, Riley said he has been courted to play linebacker and safety.

UT’s main concern with Riley may well be the effect that an early commitment could have on three of his teammates, which are all being recruited by UT and Georgia.

"They say it would mean a lot to get all of us down there," Riley said of Georgia’s recruiting sales pitch. "They are pretty stacked at linebacker. That’s why I’m hesitant about going down there. They recruit good linebackers every year."

Riley said that LSU’s linebacker depth makes Baton Rouge an attractive college home, followed by UT and Arkansas.

UT’s chances of landing Riley will depend on Riley’s travel schedule. At least two visits to Knoxville are on the itinerary — a summer camp trip and an official visit this fall. Riley said he also plans to take official visits to Georgia, Auburn and LSU.

Riley said he posted 96 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, and recovered four fumbles last season. On offense, Riley played running back, full back, and H-back. That play during his junior year has led to the explosion of college interest this spring.

"It feels good to go home and tell my dad that I’ve got an offer," Riley said. "I’m trying not to get too tied into it until I get my SAT scores and play my last high school football season."