Tennessee has given Kelvin Sheppard something to think about.

The linebacker from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga., took his official visit to Knoxville last weekend. Sheppard committed to Louisiana State last month, but he said he is still considering UT along with Florida and Maryland.

Sheppard said UT has continued to rank No. 1 or 2 on his list with LSU. He said the Vols and Tigers compare favorably.

"They’re almost neck and neck, if not the same," the 6-foot-2, 218-pounder said. "I have a good relationship with all the coaches at both schools.

"Both schools know about me. I think if I go to either one of those I won’t just be another guy taking up a scholarship. I think I’ll make an impact on the team."

Sheppard said he was impressed by the play of UT’s defense against Memphis. He said he sees the possibility of early playing time because UT loses all three starting linebackers to graduation.

"They have a very solid defense," he said. "With those linebackers leaving, I think if I were to come to the University of Tennessee I would make a big impact on the team."

Sheppard said he paid particular attention to middle linebacker Kevin Simon. He said he believes he can fit into the defensive system in a similar fashion to Simon.

"I’m going 150-percent every play," he said, "and if you’re not coming at me like I’m coming at you, then you’re in trouble. My ability to go sideline to sideline and my instincts put me over the edge."

Sheppard said he does not look at UT’s 4-5 record this season as a negative factor against the Vols.

"I am looking at this season as if they do well, then that’s a good thing," he said. "If they don’t, hey, I’m coming in next year and I’m trying to do whatever I can to turn it around."

Sheppard is being recruited by running backs coach Trooper Taylor. He said he knows almost everything there is to know about Taylor.

"He’s a real cool guy," Sheppard said. "He’s down to earth. He tells you not only what you want to hear, but he tells you the truth."

Sheppard has already taken an official visit to LSU. He said he still plans to visit Florida and Maryland.

Sheppard said after his trip to Knoxville last weekend, he will probably wait until National Signing Day to make a final decision.

"It’s going to be a very tough decision because I just have such a good relationship with (linebackers) coach (Bradley Dale) Peveto at LSU and I just admire everything they’re doing down there at LSU," he said. "But then I go to Tennessee and they’re basically doing the same thing. So it’s probably going to come down to the final day."