Jermaine Cunningham doesn't look at Tennessee as a losing program.

The defensive end from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga., will visit Knoxville this weekend. Cunningham said he is not bothered by the Vols' 3-5 record. He said UT coach Phillip Fulmer's past success is too much to overlook.

"It's a winning program," the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder said. "Based on what they've done in the past and coach Fulmer's winning record, it's overwhelming to see what he has yet to do in the future."

Cunningham visited UT in June during a seven-on-seven passing camp. The trip gave him a chance to scout out the campus.

"They had a nice little facility there at Tennessee," he said. "Most of the stuff they've got is new. I also like the coaching staff and what they've done in the past couple years and what they've accomplished."

Cunningham said Florida is his leader ahead of UT, Auburn and Virginia Tech. He has taken one official visit to Virginia Tech.

Cunningham said he has watched UT's defense play well this season despite the team's offensive struggles. He said his ability to pressure the quarterback would fit the Vols' style of play.

"They like to get the quarterback and I could see myself on that defense rushing the quarterback," he said. "I see myself coming off the edge. I probably won't be an impact my freshman year but probably by my sophomore or junior year I feel I could be a pretty good, key player."

Cunningham said once the team improves on offense, the program will be back in the right direction.

"With their defense going the way it's going now," he said, "I feel it would probably give them a winning record and give them a chance to go to some bowl games."

Cunningham's teammate, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, will also visit UT this weekend. Sheppard is committed to LSU, but Cunningham said his teammate is still looking around at other schools.