SAN ANTONIO — The exhaustion was easy to see on Jacques McClendon's face.

After all, it had been several weeks since he last donned shoulder pads and hit the football field.

The former Chattanooga Baylor star did both Monday as the participants in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl took in their first practice.

It was, by several accounts, an intense session for the East squad. The practice included several periods of full-speed work and a round of "gassers" (50-yard sprints) to close out the morning gathering.

"It was very up-tempo compared to what we do in high school," said the 6-foot-4, 325-pound McClendon, easily one of the largest players here. "It was unreal. There was no way I could have imagined what just happened."

For the first time since his Dec. 9 official visit to Knoxville, McClendon reflected on his recruiting visit.

McClendon said he had a good official visit to UT. He said, at the behest of UT's coaches, he will "probably not" take two previously scheduled official visits to Florida or Auburn.

McClendon said he is 100 percent committed to the Vols after leading UT's coaches on a whirlwind of emotions surrounding his recruitment. He often expressed interest in other schools after committing to Tennessee in December 2004.

"That wasn't my intention," McClendon said, "but I'm sure they (UT coaches) worried."

National Signing Day is Feb. 1.

McClendon said he made his announcement midway through his junior year in order to squelch the phone calls and speculation regularly associated with a top-flight prospect.

Did it help?

Not really.

"The big boys still came calling," McClendon said. "It was still pretty hectic, having coaches calling during study hall while I was at school."

McClendon admits to vacillating at times but said the early commitment had unforeseen advantages.

"If you're 100 percent sure like I thought I was, you should do it," McClendon said. "I'm still glad I committed early because I have a great relationship with all of (UT's) coaches."

McClendon will play defensive tackle Saturday for the East all-stars. He said he played 75 percent of the snaps there last season. He also played fullback last year but is being recruited by UT to play on the offensive line.

"As an offensive lineman, there's a lot of top-tier players here but I believe I can stand with the best," McClendon said. "I'm not saying I'm the best but I can definitely stand with them. I feel confident in my skills as on offensive line.

"We're just low at defensive tackle. I have no problem trying to help the team out and do what's best to win the game."

McClendon also could help his future team. As the likely headliner of UT's 2006 class, he could help recruit a handful of his all-star teammates who are considering the Vols.

"I haven't talked to any of the coaches so I don't know who to help with," McClendon said. "But I'll do anything to help."

For now, it's back to the practice field. Four more sessions await McClendon as he and his teammates prepare for Saturday's game. Despite the tough first day, McClendon isn't questioning his coach's first day tactics.

East head coach Teddy Ginn Sr. from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, has coached several Division I players, including four prospects who UT is recruiting this year.

Ginn wasn't present at Monday's media session, instead watching his son participate in the Fiesta Bowl. Teddy Ginn Jr. is a receiver and kick return specialist for Ohio State.

"We have a great coach in coach Ginn, and he's just trying to get us able to win," McClendon said. "He's instructing us in practice and working us hard. It's a great thing but it's also a little tiring.

"His credentials speak for himself. The whole team believes in him."

After reaffirming his commitment to Tennessee, UT fans can now start to have the same sort of belief in McClendon.