Josh Tatum listens to what Simon says.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from Oakland Calif., has been friends with Tennessee linebacker Kevin Simon for three years. Simon grew up just 16 miles away in Walnut Creek. The friendship has resulted in a natural familiarity with Tennessee, one of the many schools recruiting Tatum.

"Everybody that has come from California has flourished at Tennessee," Tatum said. "Kevin Simon is a good friend of mind. He keeps me abreast on everything that is happening there. Coach (John) Chavis is a great coach."

Chavis, UT’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, visited McClymonds High School on Monday during part of his May evaluation tour. His presence reinforced what Simon said about UT for years.

"You’re able to graduate," Tatum said. "The graduation rates are very good down there. The linebacking core definitely is a strong part of the defense. I could fit perfectly into their system."

McClymonds coach Alonzo Carter said Tatum recorded 135 tackles, 10 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and five interceptions in 2003 before missing most of last season with an shoulder injury.

The injury doesn’t seem to have affected college interest in Tatum. He said he has fielded 19 scholarship offers and is heavily considering Southern California, Miami, Tennessee, California, Ole Miss, Nebraska, LSU and Oregon.

That list of suitors shows that relocation from the Oakland area is a strong possibility. UT coaches hope he will follow the same career path as Casey Clausen, Kevin Burnett, and Simon, California prep stars turned UT stars.

"That’s very important," Tatum said. "I see that they’re showing California people some love. I appreciate that immensely."

Tatum, who plans to major in business, said academics will be a major factor in his decision.

"All my life, my mother and father have pushed me to excel in the classroom, on the football field, and everything," he said. "I just scored a 1350 on my ACT. I have a good GPA. I just feel like going to a school that has great academics will better help me and make my family proud.

"Football isn’t everything ? I love football. I’m very passionate about the game, but I’m very passionate about my academics as well."

UT has placed a heavy emphasis on recruiting in California. The Vols have offered more than 10 prospects a scholarship from the Golden State. Tight end and defensive end prospect NaDerris Ward is one of the top priorities.

"That’s my first cousin," Tatum said of his 6-5, 245-pound teammate. "We talk about this every day. He has a lot of options to weigh also. Playing together is an interest, but we definitely have separate lives that we want to go. It would be great if we could play together."

Carter said Ward caught 20 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns last season. Carter said Ward was one of the key blockers helping two McClymonds running backs to more than 1,000 yards rushing.

Dave Hooker cover recruiting. He can be reached at hookerd@knews.com.