DALTON, GA. — Steve Caldwell was at his recruiting best.

The University of Tennessee defensive ends coach reeled in two commitments Thursday, giving UT 23 verbal pledges for the 2006 class. UT likely will sign 25 to 27 prospects. National signing day is Wednesday.

The first commitment came from Victor Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 263-pound defensive end from Olive Branch (Miss.) High School.

"I felt at home," Thomas said. "I have a chance to get immediate playing time. I liked it there. I liked the academic support and the atmosphere."

The second Caldwell commitment came from Stephaun Raines, who made a public announcement during his high school football banquet Thursday evening. Raines is a 6-0, 170-pounder from Dalton (Ga.) High School who could play wide receiver or cornerback at UT.

"He has extremely good speed," Dalton head coach Ronnie McClurg said. "He's been clocked at 4.38 (seconds in the 40-yard dash)."

McClurg said Raines' speed also was showcased when he ran an electronically timed 100-meter dash in 10.6 seconds.

McClurg, however, is quick to point out that Raines' greatness doesn't just rely on his ability to outrun opponents. McClurg said Raines is as tough as he is fast.

"Very rare, very rare," McClurg said. "He's got the total package when it comes to being a complete football player."

Raines' physical nature was so impressive that McClurg often used him as a lead blocker in Dalton's wing-T formation.

"He is really a tough young man," McClurg said. "He's got that linebacker mentality."

Raines said backyard brawls disguised as football games helped him develop that mentality.

"Back then, football wasn't all about touchdowns," Raines said, "It was about who's going to hurt who. No pads."

Don't ask Raines if he'd rather score an 80-yard touchdown or lay a big hit. He can't decide.

"You can't give me that question," Raines said with a smile.

Raines is slated to begin his UT career at wide receiver. McClurg said if Raines' route running continues to improve then he could stay on the offensive side of the ball. Cornerback also is an option. Raines said he has no preference.

Raines already has an advantage over many of his fellow signees. McClurg said Raines is very close friends with UT freshman center Cameron Mayo, who also played at Dalton High.

"I think it's a real asset to both people," McClurg said. "Cam can certainly help him out as far as campus life is concerned."

It's hard to be around Raines for a short time without noticing an infectious smile and an upbeat attitude.

"The people around him, he lifts them up," McClurg said. "He's a great leader. He is so respected by his teammate. He's a great team player."

Raines said his mother has fostered his outlook on life.

"She always taught me that no matter the situation, it could always be worse," he said. "She told me to make the best of everything. Just smile. Don't let anything get to me."

Raines said he has had his mind made up for at least a week but kept it private for the Thursday night banquet. That didn't stop friends, faculty and classmates from inquiring leading up to the event.

"They better read it in the paper," Raines said with a chuckle, "because I'm not answering any more questions."

Don't think that opposing schools will give up on Raines now that he's committed to UT. Arkansas and South Carolina are scheduled to be in town Friday. Raines said he expects uncomfortable meetings with both.

"It's going to be hard just saying 'No, I'm not coming to your school,'" Raines said. "I'll have to work myself up to it. My decision is made."

Thomas faced the same dilemma Thursday as he spurned an offer from Mississippi State. In the end, playing time was the deciding factor.

UT's two starting defensive ends from last season — Parys Haralson and Jason Hall — graduated. Thomas said Caldwell promised him an opportunity to play early — as long as he works for it.

"I'm not a bench-rider," Thomas said. "I believe in myself. I know what I can do and if I work hard I can do it."

Trooper Talks: UT coach Trooper Taylor was scheduled to visit Alcoa High School star Brandon Warren on Thursday night. UT is trying to sway the 6-2, 230-pound tight end/defensive end, who committed to Florida State last summer.

Stone Mountain Duo: Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is looking less like an LSU commitment every day.

"Tennessee has a good chance to get my signature on signing day," the 6-2, 220-pound linebacker said.

Sheppard admits he is leaning towards UT. He and his teammate, Perry Riley, committed to LSU in October. Riley, also a linebacker, is 6-1 and 205 pounds. Sheppard said Riley also is considering UT.

2007: Junior Jimmy Clausen is scheduled to be in Knoxville for an unofficial visit to UT. The 6-3, 200-pound quarterback from Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif., has plenty of ties to UT.

Clausen's two brothers, Rick and Casey Clausen, played quarterback at UT. Rick Clausen was recently hired as a graduate assistant coach. Jimmy Clausen's sister also is a UT student.

The youngest Clausen is thought to be considering UT, Southern Cal, Notre Dame and South Carolina.