Tennessee had a clear message for Harrison Smith.

"UT's coaches said, 'We want you here but if you're going to be happier somewhere else, that's where you need to go,'" the Catholic High School football star said when asked about his official visit to UT on Dec. 8.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound defensive back/linebacker prospect was expecting the hard sell from the Vols. By deciding against that approach, UT might have helped itself.

"It showed their character more than anything else," Smith said.

Smith said he had a "great" visit to UT. Then, two days later, it was Notre Dame's coaches who did the visiting. Head coach Charlie Weiss stopped by Catholic on Tuesday.

"He seems like he's honest and he doesn't care if you don't agree with him," Smith said. "He tells you how it is."

Smith said Weiss also soft-pedaled the recruiting issue. Football was barely discussed.

"He knows how much stress is on me," Smith said.

As he first told the News Sentinel last week, Smith said he's still 60 to 70 percent decided that he'll sign with Notre Dame. The trip to UT, however, made an impact -- namely the connection he made with UT's players.

"I could see myself hanging out with those guys and being good friends with them," said Smith, whose official host was redshirt freshman Josh McNeil. "I like him a lot. He's been the most helpful."

Smith said he expects to announce a decision within two weeks after consultation with his family.