This time of year college football fans get wrapped up in recruiting. It has turned into a spectator sport in this age of the Internet. But when Eric Westmoreland was coming out of Marion County High School in 1995, he didn't have four or five stars by his name.

"I may not have had all the stars, but I knew I could play," Westmoreland said. "I had a few offers, but the only legitimate offer was from Tennessee. I guess you could say I was a diamond in the rough."

When Westmoreland arrived on campus for the 1996 season, he knew the best way for him to make his mark was on special teams.

"Fred White and I were (heck) on wheels when it came to special teams," said Westmoreland. "We both flew around trying to make the big hit. We cherished special teams. Even when I was a starter I was on special teams and loved it."

Special teams plays helped Westmoreland to become a starter entering the 1998 season. Most players have a favorite game, but not Westmoreland.

"I don't have one game, I guess I'd say the entire 1998 season was mine. Every game that year was special," he said.

However, turn the attention to his favorite play while at Tennessee and the answer is an easy one.

"The hit I made against Vanderbilt," said Westmoreland with a snicker.

Those who remember the play will recall one of the most bone-jarring tackles you will ever see. The Vandy running back came out of the backfield and caught the ball looking back at the quarterback. Before he could look up, Westmoreland leveled him.

"I told one of the other linebackers before the play to watch for the drag," said Westmoreland. "Coach (John) Chavis (UT's defensive coordinator) had us so prepared for the play that when they lined up before the play, I knew what was coming."

Westmoreland was the epitome of an overachiever. When he arrived on campus he was a safety. But, after time in the weight room and in the cafeteria he was shifted to linebacker.

"I was kind of small for a linebacker, but Coach Chavis liked fast players on defense," said Westmoreland.

That speed helped Westmoreland make it to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns. In a three-year career he started five games. But, he learned the hard way that the NFL is a business.

"I knew going in that it was a business," said Westmoreland. "But, there are a lot of guys who don't figure that out until it's too late. I don't know whether the career is over yet, or not. I still work out every day to stay in shape in case I get a call. But, if I don't, that will be OK, too."

This past fall, Westmoreland was on the sidelines coaching wide receivers at Chattanooga Baylor. He also served as a dorm parent for the players, making sure they stayed out of trouble.

"I learned a lot from the kids," said Westmoreland. "We play a lot of Play Station and have a good time together. I see a lot of me in these kids. I know that kids will be kids, but I stress to them to think before they act."

When Westmoreland was at UT, one player didn't think too much of showing up on time for meetings. Anthony Sessions had been late a few times and Chavis had enough.

"I don't think I've ever laughed harder than I did when Coach locked the door to teach Anthony a lesson," said Westmoreland. "At first he started knocking on the door. Then Anthony got mad and started kicking on the door. Finally, Coach let him in and told him that from then on he would be locked out if he showed up late."

Westmoreland was one of the reasons the 1998 team won the national championship. It was a team of big-hearted players, and none had a bigger heart than No. 42.