Sometimes we think of them as adults. High-profile prospects are often treated as such.

On weekends like these, they - and their parents - are reminded that the maturation process is far from complete.

As many as six UT signees will attend the first session of summer school which begins this week, three months before they are required to begin practicing with their Tennessee teammates.

Suddenly, moms and dads will be driving out of sight, leaving their sons to a new challenge and a new life.

The mere thought of the tearful transition was too much for David Crompton.

Jonathan's father was an integral part during every step of the recruiting process. He helped guide his son through months of phone calls and coaches' salesmanship.

This weekend, he'll choose NASCAR over Tennessee football, allowing the stock cars in Charlotte to drown out the emotions of sending off a son that just happened to be a high-profile quarterback prospect.

"We're happy and glad for him and we're sad for us," David Crompton said. "He's on cloud nine. It's time to go on to phase two of his life.

"I'm going to pack the vehicle up for him and go to the race. It's time. He's ready to fly the coop, I guess."

For months, Janet Crompton has been counting down the days to this weekend, lamenting the moment when her son moves out and moves on.

"I'm excited for him because I know this is a new chapter in his life, but I'm also depressed," Janet Crompton said tearfully. "It's going to hit me when I'm driving off and he's not with me. The excitement of him going there and competing has not allowed it to sink in yet.

"We've always been excited about getting him there. The dread is coming home and him not being there. The dread is coming home to an empty house and he's not there. I know Knoxville is best for him. He has to do it."

There are plenty of reasons for a signee to bid his parents an early farewell and opt for a head start in college. Immediate playing time is one of the strongest draws.

"I think me going to summer school, especially both sessions, is going to be a tremendous advantage," said Josh McNeil, a center from Collins, Miss. "I'm going to have a whole summer in the workout plan, be around all the guys, and getting into the playbook. Just getting out _there working with the guys as far as pass protection techniques.

"There are certain things when you're pulling or firing off, your right foot is going instead of your left, don't cross your feet; things like that. I think I can just get more technically sound and get the technical aspects down.

Defensive back Antonio Wardlow from Winston Salem, N.C., Memphis offensive lineman Malcolm Rawls and running back Montario Hardesty will also attend the first session of summer school.

Defensive lineman Raymond Henderson and defensive back Demetrice Morley have enrolled after living in Knoxville since January.

Jonathan Crompton's parents aren't the only Waynesville, N.C., residents sorry to see him go. The Cromptons were the guests of honor Tuesday at a celebration commemorating his playing career at Tuscola High School.

The event included a live radio broadcast and a rock and roll band.

"They learned to play 'Rocky Top'," David Crompton said with a chuckle. "They (fans) were lined up at the door. The place was full and they just kept coming."

Towards the end of the celebration, a Tuscola football fan told Janet Crompton that her son would be missed more as a citizen than a football player.

It was a moment that reminded her of the imminent departure, just another tearful moment in an emotional week.