As Tennessee puts the finishing touches on its 2006 football recruiting class, the Vols are ever mindful of getting a head start on next year's class.

Harrison Smith is one of the first steps as UT tries to close the borders on what many think will be a strong in-state class. The 2007 class looks particularly strong in East Tennessee.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer personally offered Smith, a junior at Knoxville Catholic High School, a scholarship last week.

"It was kind of overwhelming," Smith said. "I always wanted to play (college football). I thought I could but I never completely believed it. When he said that, I was surprised."

The Vols are recruiting the athletic Smith to play one of a multitude of positions, including running back, wide receiver, outside linebacker or safety, his preference and likely eventual college position.

"I've always been a UT fan," the 6-foot-5, 205-pounder said. "That's always been my team."

Smith, playing running back, rushed for 1,312 yards on 155 carries for an 8.5 yard average and 17 touchdowns last season. He also caught 32 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns.

Smith was in on 61 tackles with 11 for a loss and five interceptions.

Smith, who also runs track and plays basketball, has been timed at 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash and posted a 36-inch vertical jump. He also has bench pressed 265 pounds and squatted 360 pounds.

Smith said he's in no hurry to make a college decision but admits that UT's offer will be tough to turn down.

"They've been on me more than anybody else has," Smith said. "They said they wanted to try to get the hometown kids to stay at home."

The hometown kid said UT offered him his first scholarship, but several schools, including Notre Dame, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and, especially, Alabama have shown significant, early interest.

Smith has visited UT, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and Virginia.

"It's just exciting right now because I've always wanted to play college football," Harrison said. "It's like a dream come true."

Smith's first exposure to the college football recruiting experience wasn't quite so dreamy. Smith was the only Knoxville-area prospect invited to the U.S. Army All-American combine on Feb. 8. The event, held in San Antonio, Texas, invites the top 400 junior prospects.

"It was a fun learning experience," Smith said, "but not knowing anybody, it was kind of lonely."

Smith said his favorite former UT players are Deon Grant and Raynoch Thompson, a hard-hitting linebacker who helped UT to a national title in 1998. One would think Smith takes a similar approach to football given his nickname, "Bone Crusher".

"That is kind of a silly nickname," Smith said with a chuckle. "It came during practice one day. I hit one of the running backs pretty hard. Coach (Mark Pemberton) got excited and gave me that nickname. I don't mind it. It's fun to have nicknames."

UT's scholarship offer won't be the only one coming Smith's way. The Vols' overtures will likely cause a domino effect.

"I figure that's how it will work," Smith said. "That's how my coaches said it usually works out. I'll just see what happens."

Smith has until February 2007 to make his final decision. Still, don't be surprised if he makes an announcement several months before.

"I don't want to make it too early," Smith said, "but if I think I've gotten all the offers that I want before the football season, I'll probably make a decision before the season."

That means UT's head start could result in an early commitment.