Tennessee's last real chance to land Harrison Smith could come this weekend.

In his first public comments in weeks concerning his recruitment, the Knoxville Catholic High football star admitted on Tuesday that he is 60 to 70 percent sure he'll sign with Notre Dame instead of the hometown Vols. Some say the 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety/linebacker prospect has already made up his mind to play for the Fighting Irish.

"I've heard that but I don't let it bother me," said Smith, who will be one of six official visitors this weekend, most of whom are highly touted. "People can think what they want."

Smith's father, Dr. Steven Smith, found himself in the middle of his son's recruiting battle last week after Internet message boards and radio talk shows discussed his involvement. At issue was a conversation Dr. Smith had with UT coach Phillip Fulmer.

Was Fulmer told to stop recruiting Smith? Harrison Smith said that was not the case.

"He told him how he feels about the two schools He was really just telling him his feelings," Smith said.

The persistent criticism of his father's involvement in his recruiting has obviously bothered Smith, who is widely considered one of the top prospects in the nation.

"People bring down my dad all the time; I'm used to defending him," Smith said. " It makes me really mad. It's none of their business what my dad tells me and how he guides me."

Smith is quick to point out that the guidance he has been offered by his father is nothing more than just guidance.

"I could tell him 'no' if I knew I wanted to go to Tennessee 100 percent," Smith said. "He would have faith in me and support me."

Notre Dame has continued to do all it can to close the deal on Smith. Defensive coordinator/linebacker coach Rick Minter and assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Bill Lewis are never far away.

"I've built up a pretty good one," Smith said of his relationship with Notre Dame's coaches. "Coach Minter has come twice and Coach Lewis came once with him."

Smith said Lewis sends him a text message every other day. Still, Smith said UT's efforts couldn't be faulted. Both schools have shown Smith how valuable he is.

"It's kind of a lot the same," Smith said, comparing UT's and Notre Dame's recruiting methods.

Smith has long tried to maintain that he'll never abhor the recruiting process. Still, the past few weeks have been hard to enjoy.

"I'm kind of sick of it, but you can't complain about having to go through it," Smith said. "I'm sick of not knowing (where he'll go to college)."

Soon, everyone will know where he's headed. Smith said he plans on making an announcement by early January, if not sooner.

"I could, if I knew for sure," Smith said. "Hopefully I will."