FAIRBURN, Ga. -- They were once compared competitors. Now, they're close friends. They could end up college teammates.

"That would be a real big factor," Morgan Burnett said of playing college football with his former high school rival Eric Berry. "That would be fun to have somebody I know in college from the same town."

It seems a bit odd that the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Burnett from North Clayton High in College Park, Ga., and the 5-11, 195-pound Berry from Creekside High in Fairburn, Ga., are even considering being a packaged pair. After all, the two have been compared to each other throughout their high school career.

"Newspapers and people started comparing us in ninth grade because we both played on both sides of the ball," said Berry. "We both played quarterback and safety so they were always comparing us."

"We started talking because we were always around each other, competing in seven-on-seven (passing leagues)."

The rivalry was never bitter. Trash talking just isn't their style. But once the friendship began, it benefited both.

"He'd beat me one play, I'd pat him on the back," Berry said. "I'd beat him and he'd pat me on the back. It was really cool, just getting each other better."

Said Burnett, "We talk good about each other -- no trash talk."

Although the two share many similarities, there are differences. Berry has the versatility to play a number of positions in college, including quarterback, running back, receiver, cornerback or safety. Burnett, on the other hand, seems like a natural born safety.

"He's very physical," Berry said about Burnett. "If you're not on your 10 toes, he'll knock you out. He plays more defense than me. I think he's a better safety than me right now."

Each player has plenty of options. As one of the top prospects in the nation, Berry is being recruited by Southern Cal, Ohio State, Auburn and, of course, Georgia. Burnett is considering UT, Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina.

So far, neither is tipping their hand.

"Everybody's just wide open," Burnett said.

There are plenty of ties that could play into their decision. Berry's father, James Berry, played football at UT (1978-81). His uncle played at Georgia. Burnett's brother, Cap Burnett, played at Georgia (1999-2002).

"It's a thrill just to sit back and know that he's going through the same thing that I went through; it makes you proud," said Cap Burnett, who admitted he almost signed with UT over Georgia. "To be honest with you, wherever he goes, I'm supporting him. Whether it's orange or red and black, whatever, I'm behind him all the way."

Berry and Burnett's friendship isn't through paying dividends. Now is a good time to have someone to talk with.

"It's helpful to know somebody who knows what I'm going through and I know what he's going through," Burnett said.

It's hard not to be struck with each of the prospects' attitudes, or lack thereof. Neither seems to have the ego that often goes along with a lofty recruiting status. Perhaps that's why they get along so well.

"He's a real cool guy," Berry said of Burnett. "You'd kind of think somebody of his caliber would be stuck up but he's a real cool kid."

The same could be said for Berry, whose high school season came to an end on Friday night in the state quarterfinals. Berry suffered a minor hip pointer in the first half that sidelined him for much of the game.

With both seasons complete, the two can focus on the next step. Berry is scheduled to take an official visit to UT on Feb. 3. Burnett said his official visit could take place in January.

Those two visits could tell if the pair becomes college teammates.

"It would be nice," Berry said, "but we've got to go where we're happy."

One More?: An intriguing battle is setting up for receiver Dwight Jones from Cummings High in Burlington, N.C. UT receivers coach Trooper Taylor has been working on the North Carolina commitment since Tar Heels coach John Bunting began treading on shaky ground this season.

Bunting has been fired. But in his place is Butch Davis, a former NFL coach who had great recruiting success when he was at the University of Miami (1995-2000).

UT must make sure Jones still feels needed if he is to withdraw his commitment.

The Vols have seven prospects committed that could get a chance to play receiver. At least four are expected to stay at the position.

UT picked up two receivers this week: Gerald Jones from Millwood High in Oklahoma City and Kenny O'Neal from City College of San Francisco (Calif.)

Receivers Bret Smith and Jayson Swain are seniors and junior Robert Meachem is considering the NFL draft.

O'Neal Background: O'Neal was dismissed from Florida State for "conduct detrimental to the team" in June.

He averaged 22 yards on five catches in 2005 as a redshirt freshman and was the Seminoles' top kickoff returner, averaging 24 yards on 21 returns.

Jones attended Skyline Senior High in Oakland.

Triple Play?: UT has had success lately with prospects from City College of San Francisco. The Vols signed safety Gibril Wilson in 2002 and offensive tackle Albert Toeaina in 2004.

Both were starters. Wilson is playing in the NFL with the New York Giants. Toeaina was an undrafted free agent signed by the Carolina Panthers but was cut in training camp in August.

Surprise: Armando Allen's announcement on Friday that he had committed to Notre Dame was a bit unexpected. It's not that the athlete from Miami Lakes in Hialeah, Fla., was expected to pick UT, although he was considering the Vols. Most thought Allen would commit to Florida.

By committing to Notre Dame, he should help provide some momentum for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame has 12 commitments.

Visitors: Here's an early list of some of the prospects that are scheduled to take a official visits to UT next weekend:

* Chris Donald, linebacker, Huntingdon, Tenn.

* Chris Walker, linebacker, Memphis Christian Brothers.

* Travaris Cadet, quarterback/athlete, Miami (Fla.) Central.

* Graig Cooper, tailback, Milford (N.Y.) Academy and Memphis Melrose. He has committed to Miami.

* Harrison Smith, linebacker/safety, Knoxville Catholic. He's considering UT and Notre Dame.