Dustin Lindsey isn't ready to give up yet.

The University of Tennessee football signee from Alcoa High School said Friday he believes he is just one point short of qualifying academically on his college entrance exam. Lindsey, who plays running back and linebacker, said he retook the ACT last weekend and will have more opportunities this summer.

However, Lindsey's grade-point average also could be an issue. A source close to Lindsey told the News Sentinel that qualifying this year may be a long shot but Lindsey should be commended for improving his GPA after a slow academic start in high school.

"My whole focus right now is to finish up high school strong," Lindsey said. "I just go to school and grind it out everyday like football.

"You will see me in Orange and White, whether it's two (seasons) from now or next year."

Meanwhile, defensive back Justin Garrett from Pasadena City (Calif.) College and wide receiver Brent Vinson from Phoebus High in Hampton, Va., are two other signees who UT is keeping a close watch for academic issues.

Vinson denied his grades were an issue.

"Everything is going good," Vinson said. "I just have to finish out my classes like they are.

Lindsey said prep school is a possibility but junior college, where he would lose eligibility, has not been discussed.

"Once I get there (to UT)," Lindsey said, "I'll be a lot more comfortable than I am now."

When he's not a student, Lindsey is a recruiting counselor, mentoring two former teammates through the peaks and valleys of selecting a college. Defensive end Rae Sykes has LSU and Tennessee as his leaders and wide receiver Kyrus Lanxter is considering offers from Louisville and West Virginia.

"I just let them know that it's going to be hectic," Lindsey said of the two juniors. "There's going to be coaches calling you. You're going to be wondering how they got your cell phone number.

"Any one school can tell you what you want to hear but you've got to look inside to make the best choice."

Lindsey hopes Lanxter's best choice is UT. The Vols are evaluating Lanxter but have yet to offer him a scholarship. Lindsey believes that's just a matter of time.

"They have strong interest in him. Who doesn't?" Lindsey said. "There's no reason why they wouldn't (offer). I'm excited to see what their decision will be.

"I'd love to play football with my cousin."

Lindsey selected UT in March 2005. His teammate at the time, defensive end Brandon Warren, waited until two days before National Signing Day to confirm an earlier commitment to Florida State.

"I paid close attention to Brandon's recruitment," Lindsey said. "That made me glad that I committed early. It lets a lot of stress go. It helps your senior year go a lot smoother."

Lindsey admitted that he questioned his early commitment at times as the recruiting season unfolded. But, in the end, the comfort level in Knoxville was plenty strong.

"I don't know if they have that much comfort around a school," Lindsey said, referring to Sykes and Lanxter. "I had that comfort around UT."