Douglas follows family's footsteps to UT

Maryville tight end commits to Vols; first of 2008 recruiting class

By DREW EDWARDS, edwardsd@knews.com

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

MARYVILLE — A tired Aaron Douglas wore a University of Nebraska T-shirt as he milled around with his teammates following Maryville High School's first practice in pads this season.

Don't be fooled.

The Huskers had sway over his wardrobe; the University of Tennessee has everything else, including a commitment from the junior tight end.

"I've know if I ever got an opportunity and was fortunate enough to go to UT, I wouldn't hesitate," said Douglas, who committed to UT on Monday after meeting with coach Phillip Fulmer.

That Douglas became the Vols' first commitment from the Class of 2008 couldn't be more fitting or any less of a surprise.

Douglas' father David played offensive tackle under Fulmer from 1982-85. His mother, Karla Horton Douglas, started for the Lady Vols' 1987 national championship team, and his uncle, Steve Douglas, lettered at defensive tackle in 1983 and 84.

But don't think Douglas' recruitment is a case of nepotism.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder was a standout in football and basketball for the Rebels.

As a sophomore, he caught 13 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in the regular season. On the basketball court, he averaged 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds a game during the regular season.

"He's got good agility and awesome size," Maryville coach George Quarles said. "Unlimited potential. He moves well, catches the ball well. He's just going to get faster and stronger."

What he won't get are any more recruiting letters.

Douglas said he's known Fulmer, who served as his father's position coach along with current UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe in the 1980s, "as long as I can remember."

"I talked to Coach Fulmer for about 25 minutes (Monday) and at the end, I was like, 'There's no use in waiting,' " Douglas said. "I wasn't 100 percent sure about committing. I had it in the back of my mind, and when he got finished talking, I knew this is what I want to do. Just because of tradition with my family and everything."

Turns out the Vols are a big part of that family.

"Quickest recruitment ever, I think," Quarles joked. "Some of their coaches had told me a while back they were going to offer him. I think Aaron knew that's where he wanted to go and wanted to get it over with. That's a good get for him and for UT also."

Douglas is the fifth Rebel to choose an SEC school on Quarles' watch, joining offensive lineman Brad Hilsher (UT), running back Carl Stewart (Auburn), quarterback Cade Thompson (South Carolina) and receiver Tyler Maples (UT commitment for 2007).

Despite all the family ties, David Douglas said the choice was Aaron's alone.

Needless to say, he was elated when Aaron picked Tennessee.

"It's something you think about for your kid, if it's his dream for it to happen," David Douglas said. "It's a big decision for him, and for our family it's really exciting. All my family has bled orange for a lot of years. It's a really exciting day. It really is."