Tennessee spent the weekend swinging for the fences. No, it wasn't baseball that had campus buzzing. It was a huge collection of football prospects.

UT's coaches were looking to hit some recruiting home runs as they hosted six undecided prospects among 15 official visitors this weekend.

Among those half dozen looking for a college home were five that would be considered upper echelon high school prospects and a junior college star who could fill an immediate void for the Vols.

The talk of the recruiting week started with Harrison Smith. While the 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety/linebacker from Catholic lives just down the road, it seems he's many, many miles from committing to Tennessee.

Smith told the News Sentinel this week that he was 60 to 70 percent decided that he would end up at Notre Dame. UT may have taken its last significant swing at Smith this weekend.

The Vols were looking to secure their future at linebacker with visits from Chris Donald and Chris Walker this weekend. Donald, however, couldn't make the trip because of a death in the family.

Still, UT is in good shape with both players from West Tennessee. We'll know more once Donald makes his official visit, likely in January.

Donald, a 6-3, 220-pounder from Huntingdon, has long said UT is his leader. But Notre Dame's golden glow can't make UT's coaches or fans feel comfortable.

Walker has official visits scheduled to LSU, Clemson and Michigan. LSU should concern UT's coaches most but the Vols have long been the frontrunner for the 6-3, 220-pound standout from Christian Brothers.

There's no question that Cris Hill comes highly recommended. His high school coach, Scott Burton, said Hill has the best technique and possibly the best speed of any defensive back prospect he's coached recently. That's quite a statement considering Highland Springs (Va.) has produced six Division I defensive backs in the past four years.

Hill's high school teammate, C.J. Fleming, also made the trip this weekend. The defensive back committed to UT in August.

Hill said he's down to two schools: UT and Virginia Tech.

The Vols and Florida Gators are battling hard for Ben Martin, the 6-5, 230-pound defensive end from Cincinnati LaSalle.

In an interview with GoVolsXtra.com, Martin seemed almost defiant toward those who say he's going to play for Ohio State just for proximity's sake or Notre Dame because he has family in Indiana.

Landing Martin would be the equivalent of a pitcher hitting a home run.

There's no question what UT's coaches are selling to DeAngelo Willingham -- playing time. The Vols have to replace two cornerbacks next season and the 6-foot, 205-pound junior college star from California could be just what the depth chart needs.

Safety also could be a possibility if UT's coaches decide to give their current safeties, Demetrice Morley or Jonathan Hefney, a look at cornerback.

The Vols have had great success with junior college defensive backs. Where would UT have been without Julian Battle and Gibril Wilson? Both filled holes in UT's defense and went on to NFL careers.

Miguel Chavis is a prospect who just recently popped up on UT's radar. The 6-5, 255-pound defensive end from Fayetteville, N.C., was committed to North Carolina before the Tar Heels coaching changes opened his eyes and his options.

Davis' name may not carry the same sizzle of some other defensive-end prospects but he could certainly fill a need for the 2007 class. UT only has two defensive linemen committed. With a year at Hargrave Military Academy, it's not unreasonable to think that Chavis could help early.

UT hosted nine players who already have committed. Running back Kevin Cooper from Chattanooga Baylor didn't make the trip as previously planned.