Tennessee fans can't help but worry.

Chris Donald was supposed to be a sure thing. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker from Huntingdon High School has told the News Sentinel numerous times that he was close to committing to UT.

He repeatedly said an announcement could come any day, definitely before his high school season began.

Then came a trip to Notre Dame.

Suddenly, the self-described UT fan was rethinking the recruiting process.

There won't be a decision until after football season. There will be another visit to Notre Dame. This time it will be official.

"I need some more time to think about things, but I don't really know how long it will be," Donald told The Jackson Sun. "I just feel like I need to (wait). They're both schools I would want to play at.

"I just want to make sure I make the best decision for myself."

That's not good for UT. Count me as one that had all but counted Donald as a commitment until this latest recruiting body blow.

I can't help but think of Patrick Turner. It seemed as if the Goodpasture receiver was destined to be a Vol until the hottest program in the nation came calling.

It was Southern Cal then. It's Notre Dame now.

The Fighting Irish already have eight impressive commitments, including a pledge from quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who is widely considered the top prospect in the nation.

Now Notre Dame has targeted Donald.

Perhaps even more disturbing for UT fans is the fact that Donald isn't returning (or receiving) phone calls from the News Sentinel just weeks after being named the state's No. 1 prospect.

Prospects are often more open to interviews when the newspaper in question covers their favorite team.

UT can only sit, wait and make the necessary phone calls.

Here's what we definitely know about Donald. He's no longer the naive prospect who is just happy to have a scholarship offer in hand.

Like most prospects, he's become savvier. Donald realizes he has options.

It's no coincidence that Notre Dame picked the state of Tennessee to set up recruiting shop. Its coaches are also trying to land Catholic star Harrison Smith.

UT has used a similar approach during coach Phillip Fulmer's tenure. If a state school is down, reap the benefits.

Fulmer should still be sending Christmas cards to former South Carolina coach Brad Scott.

Scott's Gamecocks were so bad that they made the area ripe for the picking. One could argue that Scott deserves a UT national championship ring for his services.

Winning is good. Losing is good for the competition. A strong season in 2006 would only help UT close the borders.

The heat is on Fulmer this season, for more reasons than one.

Creer's Take: Lennon Creer from Tatum (Texas) High said he will make his college decision on Aug. 16.

The 6-1, 202-pound running back will choose between UT, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Florida and Miami.

Creer has visited UT, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He canceled trips to Florida and Miami.

While playing time is important, Creer would also like a shot at Texas while he's in college. Creer said the Longhorns tried to pressure him into an early commitment then stopped recruiting him when he said he needed more time.

"But I would like to play in the SEC too," Creer said. "They have the best conference."

UT is also on Ryan Broyles visit list. The 5-11, 170-pound cornerback/wide receiver from Norman (Okla.) High said he plans to take official visits to UT, Texas A&M and Texas Tech this fall.