Victor Thomas sees an opportunity at Tennessee.

The defensive end from Olive Branch (Miss.) High School committed to play football for UT on Thursday. Thomas chose UT over Mississippi State.

The 6-foot-3, 263-pound Thomas said he expects the departure of UT’s starting defensive ends from last year — Parys Haralson and Jason Hall — to offer him a chance to compete for early playing time.

Thomas talked about what it will take to earn playing time as a freshman at UT and why he chose the Vols over the Bulldogs.

Q: Why did you choose Tennessee?

A: I liked the academic support and the atmosphere. I felt at home. I have a chance to get immediate playing time. I knew when I went there really that it was the right place.

Q: How tough has the recruiting process been?

A: It’s been tough. It’s been stressful. I’m talking to someone different every night. It’s hard to keep up.

Q: What did you like about Mississippi State?

A: I liked the playing time there and a lot of those guys are from Mississippi. I kind of bonded with them during my visit. But I thought I had a better chance to be successful at Tennessee. I liked it there. I had fun and I felt at home.

Q: How strong is your relationship with defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell who recruited you?

A: We have a good relationship. That helps a lot that he coaches defensive ends. We talk about playing time and coming in and working hard and getting to play my first year.

Q: Why do you want to play early?

A: I’m not a bench rider. I believe in myself. I know what I can do and if I work hard I can do it.

Q: Where do you get that motivation to want to play early?

A: I get that from myself. That’s the competitor in me.

Q: What are your goals for your time at Tennessee?

A: First I want to win a bowl game. They had a losing season last year, but the last time they did they won back-to-back SEC championships.

Q: What did defensive tackle Demonte Bolden tell you about Tennessee during your official visit?

A: He told me that it takes hard work and you’re going to work but it can be done. That’s the most important thing, next to getting an education.