SAN ANTONIO — A chance meeting might land Tennessee an All-American.

Joseph Faifili wasn't scouting prospective colleges when he sat in front of the television to watch Wednesday night's Rose Bowl.

Faifili was just visiting with his fellow U.S. Army All-Americans as they took a rare break from preparation for Saturday's game. (TV: WBIR, 1 p.m.).

Then, Faifili bumped into UT commitment Jacque McClendon.

"We just got in a conversation," Faifili said Thursday. "He told me he was going to Tennessee. I told him how much I love Tennessee. He asked me, 'Are you interested?' "

Faifili's response was immediate. He was very interested so McClendon picked up the phone and called UT assistant Steve Caldwell.

At that moment Faifili's UT recruitment began.

Faifili's not just any recruit looking to play college football. He's an All-American with a strong tie to UT. Faifili is J.T. Mapu's cousin. Both went to Kahuku (Hawaii) High School.

Mapu is scheduled to return to UT in August after his two-year mission. He was an immediate contributor when he played for UT in 2002 and 2003.

Faifili said he has been impressed with UT's history of defensive linemen and feels a desire to follow in his cousin's footsteps.

Faifili moved to Utah with his family after his junior season at Kahuku and played football at Granger High School. Faifili didn't like playing away from his friends in Hawaii and moved back to Kahuku to finish the season.

"If I couldn't graduate at my old school," Faifili said, "I wanted to at least finish my season for them."

The two moves may have put Faifili in academic jeopardy. UT officials are looking into his transcript. The move also limited his ability to take official visits. He has yet to take one but is scheduled to visit Utah later this month.

Faifili could continue a significant Polynesian tradition at UT. Offensive lineman Albert Toeaina and defensive linemen Jesse Mahelona and Mapu were starters at UT.

"I guess there's something about Polynesian people," Faifili said with a smile. "Most of us have big legs."

The 6-foot-3, 298-pound Faifili has drawn rave reviews from fellow players and coaches this week.

Taihi Jones, who is coaching the defensive line for the West squad, said Faifili has more than held his own this week against the nation's elite.

"This kid is great," Jones said. "He has the best footwork that I've seen from a high school football player. That's what makes him so incredible."

Jones said Faifili reminds him of Chris Zorich, who played at Notre Dame. UT is recruiting Faifili to play on the offensive or defensive line.

Faifili said he has received scholarship offers from Utah, Brigham Young, Utah State, Arizona, and Arizona State. He said he is leaning towards Utah and Arizona but an offer from the Vols could change everything.

"It would be tough to turn them down," Faifili said. "I've always wanted to know more about that area."

Faifili, like other Polynesian players at UT, said family is one of his most important considerations before committing to any school.

"I'm real tight with my family," Faifili said. "I would have to talk to them about it. I want my dad to come watch my games."

Faifili expected more college coaches to watch the all-star practices. Most, however, are scheduled to arrive in San Antonio today and Saturday. The empty stands were disappointing, but all that might not matter soon.

If Faifili ends up at UT, he'll never forget watching the Rose Bowl that helped him become a Vol.

"I think it's kind of blessing," Faifili said. "Before I came here, I was hoping I would be seen by colleges like Tennessee. I was kind of disappointed because I didn't get anything. I actually let my hopes down.

"I'm real interested."