Tennessee has made the cut to Andrey Baskin's final two. But the Vols still have some catching up to do.

The wide receiver from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, N.J., said Syracuse leads for his services ahead of UT. Baskin said his relationship with Syracuse's coaching staff has put the other Orange in the lead.

"I've got a little bond with the coaches," he said. "That's important to me. I've been calling them and having conversations about life."

Baskin said he sees a chance at early playing time with Syracuse after the team struggled through a 1-10 season in 2005.

"I think if I go there I could be able to play as a freshman," he said. "It's important to me because I want to go there and have an impact on the team, win and turn things around."

Syracuse isn't the only team offering Baskin a chance to help immediately. Baskin could offer UT playmaking skills the Vols' offense lacked last season.

"I can come there and be a big impact to the team," the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder said. "I can be a playmaker, a leader and a person that brings a lot of energy to the team.

"Tennessee likes big receivers like me. If I go there I'd fit right in."

Baskin said he took notice to UT early in the recruiting process. He said he has grown up watching the Vols on television.

"They have a good program and a nice stadium," he said. "The coaches are nice. They look like they have a nice player-coach relationship down there."

Baskin is being recruited by UT running backs coach Trooper Taylor. He said Taylor has helped him feel at ease with the UT program.

"He's a nice guy," Baskin said. "He reminds me of a member of the family. Around him I feel like I'm at home.

"I feel comfortable around him. If he's like that, the other coaches are like that."

One player who has offered insight to Baskin about UT is Vol defensive lineman Turk McBride. McBride attended Woodrow Wilson High School and has helped paint a picture about life in Knoxville.

"He (McBride) tells me it's a nice atmosphere down there," Baskin said. "The school is real nice. You can never be down in school grade-wise.

"It would help me just to know that someone that lived right around the corner from me is now in college with me. We'd have a bond if I do go there."

Baskin visited Syracuse on Dec. 9. He said he plans to take an official trip to UT this month but has not decided on a date.

Baskin said he plans to make his final announcement on National Signing Day -- Feb. 1.