Jarrell Miller saw a different Tennessee than what he expected.

The linebacker from Highland Springs, Va., visited Tennessee last weekend. Miller said he envisioned a Harvard-like prep school before he got to Knoxville. UT's fans left him with a different impression.

"I never thought I would see fans that crazy out there," the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder said. "Tennessee has crazy fans. These fans would yell and scream until their lungs dropped."

Miller said he was also caught off guard by Neyland Stadium.

"That was the biggest place I've ever seen in my life," he said. "I can't describe it. It looked so much like a pro stadium to me."

He said he is considering UT, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Florida and Maryland. He said he doesn't have a leader among his top six.

Miller was hosted by UT junior wide receiver Jayson Swain. He said Swain offered advice on how to be successful at the college level.

"He told me everything I need to know academic-wise and about the education system a little bit," Miller said. "He told me how hard you've got to work to be a true football player. Sometimes you've got to know when enough is not enough."

Miller was impressed by the play of UT's defense. He said he paid particular attention to the Vols' linebackers.

"They set the defensive line up so the offensive linemen will get to the linebackers," he said. "It looks like the linebackers can make plays all day, slash here or slash there and get to the ball carrier and make plays."

Miller said his style of play would fit well into UT's defensive system.

"Right there at that mike (middle) linebacker, I'd get in my 2-point stance, read my keys and play sideline to sideline," he said. "That'd be a great school to play for."

Miller said UT's coaching staff pointed out that they recruit nationally. Miller said he liked the idea of playing with people from across the country.

"You get a feel for the nation," he said. "One of the people on the team is from Hawaii, somebody's from California, somebody's from Florida, somebody's from New York. You get a feel for all those places you've never been to before.

"They can tell you stories about their home and how it is. And then they have some players on the team from Virginia, so you would also get a feel for your home."

Miller said he feels pressure to play for an in-state school.

"So many people want me to go to (Virginia) Tech, so many people want me to go to UVA," he said. "People tell me I should respect my state and go to an in-state school.

"My coach keeps on telling me, 'Jarrell, make a decision for yourself.' So if I end up going out-of-state I'm going to make the decision for myself."

Miller said he plans to announce his decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 7.