Tennessee appears to be in good shape with Antonio Lowery.

The linebacker from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Fla., has received scholarship offers from 25 schools, including UT, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina State and Minnesota. Lowery said he does not have a leader but that UT is high on his list.

"The fans are just crazy," the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder said. "They sent me a letter that 109,000 fans sold out in the first game. I was like 'wow.'"

Lowery said he makes a point to watch UT on TV whenever he gets a chance. He said he likes the Vols' defensive style of play.

"It looks like they're on point," he said. "I'd fit in perfect because of how they all run to the ball. They play my game exactly."

Lowery is being recruited by UT running backs coach Trooper Taylor. He described his relationship with Taylor as "perfect."

"We talk about everything from me keeping my head up, getting my grades right, taking the SAT," Lowery said. "I like his style."

Lowery said UT's top competition for his services is South Carolina. He said the Gamecocks have expressed strong interest.

"They want me to come in and start as a freshman or get playing time as soon as possible," he said.

Lowery said his quickness and instincts to the ball allow him to make plays; Christopher Columbus head coach Chris Merritt agrees.

"He's an explosive, good-burst type of kid," Merritt told the News Sentinel in April. "He's 6-2 and he led Dade County (basketball) in rebounds for almost the entire year. He's a kid that is a ball hawk. He caused seven or eight fumbles last year just because he purposefully goes in to hawk the ball. He's a big playmaker for us."

Lowery said he plans to take his five official visits once his high school season is finished. He said UT and South Carolina are the only two schools he is sure he will visit.

Lowery said the idea of staying in state will not play a role in his decision. He said he is interested in Miami and Florida State. Neither school has offered a scholarship.