Culpepper close to committing to Vols

The defensive end from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Ala., said he is interested in Tennessee, Auburn, Clemson, Arkansas and Kentucky. Culpepper said UT's reputation as a strong defensive team has made the Vols his leader.

"They're known for having their defense," the 6-foot-5, 212-pounder said. "They hustle. You can tell they're well-coached. I feel like I could play with the big boys up there."

Culpepper said he believes UT's defensive scheme fits his style of play.

"I'd be able to bring a lot to the table," he said. "If I go up there I'm going to have to step my game up. It's going to make me better."

Culpepper said he is close to committing to UT. He said he would like to make a final decision before his high school season ends.

UT has already received a commitment from Culpepper's teammate, tight end Michael Goggans. Culpepper said he and Goggans talk often about the possibility of playing together at the next level.

"We've just been going at it for years," Culpepper said. "If I go with Mike and I practice with him, it's going to really step up both of our games on the next level. I push him and he pushes me. The next day he might win, I get mad, and the next day I come in and beat him. We just go at it every day."

Culpepper said he has grown up an Auburn fan and ranks the Tigers second behind UT. Still, he said he believes it would be in his best interest to choose a school outside the state.

"I'd be away from home," he said. "I'd feel like more of a man. I'm really going to have to step my game up. It would teach me how to be on my own."

Culpepper admitted that Auburn would be his leader if he didn't prefer to leave the state. He said one family member has continued to show an allegiance to the Tigers.

"My dad wants me to go to Auburn," he said. "He's trying to lean me but he's not shooting me any advice. That's my decision.

"He might try to hint me on something every now and then. He'll pick up one of my letters (from Auburn) and read it and say, 'This is a pretty good school.' Then he'll pick up the next letter and be like, 'They're alright.' I catch the hints."

One tie Auburn has to Culpepper is Benjamin Russell graduate Marquies Gunn, a junior defensive end for the Tigers. Culpepper said he visited with Gunn during a visit to Auburn last weekend.

"He just told me if I go, I'm going to have a chance to play and show myself and show what I've got," Culpepper said. "That's basically all I've wanted. If I get a chance, I'm going to take advantage of it."

Culpepper has never visited Knoxville. He said he has relied heavily on Goggans to get a picture of UT's campus.

"He's been telling me it's good," Culpepper said. "He says they're on top. He talked about the practice field. He tells me about everything."