Don't gauge Tennessee's 2007 football signing class by the calendar. Look at the list.

The Vols already have eight commitments. That's far ahead of the pace, especially when you consider that UT will only sign 18 to 20 prospects on National Signing Day in February.

Here are some of the better-known prospects that could fill some of those final slots:

• Eric Berry: Berry is one of the elite prospects in the southeast. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete from Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga., could play a number of positions. Most coaches see a prototypical college cornerback when they study his highlight tape. Berry's father, James, played at UT in the early 1980s.

• Travaris Cadet: I know UT is technically out of the quarterback-recruiting race after receiving a commitment from B.J. Coleman from McCallie in Chattanooga. After all, the Vols had only planned to sign one quarterback for this class.

But it's hard to imagine the Vols discontinuing their recruitment of the star player from Miami (Fla.) Central, especially since he seems so interested in the Vols.

The 6-1, 220-pound Cadet is a quick, mobile quarterback that could compliment a pocket passer, maybe even soon after he arrives on campus. He is also considering Virginia Tech.

Coleman told the News Sentinel that he wouldn't mind if the Vols decided to sign another quarterback.

• Joe Chaisson: UT's coaches had to be impressed with Chaisson's response to Coleman's commitment. The 6-3, 180-pound athletic quarterback said last week that he would be willing to play another position for the Vols.

"If the quarterback thing doesn't work out I do like receiver and wouldn't mind playing that also," he told govolsxtra.com. "I played wide receiver as a freshman."

Now, it's up to UT's coaches to decide if they want to take another quarterback in this class or recruit the Westbrook High star from Beaumont, Texas, for another position.

"I think I need to pass that on to them," he said. "I don't want them to drop me because I'm still very interested in them. I will let them know quarterback is not the only position I'm willing to play. I can contribute playing receiver."

Chaisson, who lists the Vo.s No. 1, said he plans to take official visits to UT, LSU and Oklahoma. He said he won't make a decision until he takes his official visits.

Chaisson is waiting to see if Oklahoma will offer him a scholarship. He attended a camp at Oklahoma on June 6.

Chaisson said he speaks often to quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel but doesn't know how close the Sooners are to offering a scholarship.

"We have a good relationship," Chaisson said. "We've been contacting each other. They've said they're really interested in me."

• Chris Donald: I would be surprised if Donald doesn't end up signing with UT. He could even commit to the Vols before the leaves begin to change.

The 6-2, 220-pound linebacker is also being pursued by Notre Dame and Ole Miss. The Huntingdon High star could be the best prospect in Tennessee.

• Harrison Smith: Despite Smith's proximity, he's a tough prospect to figure out. The 6-2, 205-pound athlete from Catholic told the News Sentinel that he is considering several schools. The favorites, however, are thought to be UT and Notre Dame.

Will Smith choose proximity, friends and family or the tradition of playing at Notre Dame? Right now, I don't even think Smith knows for sure.

• Rae Sykes: UT doesn't want to let another defensive end from Alcoa slip through its fingers. The chief competition for the Vols appears to be LSU for Sykes.

The 6-4, 245-pound Sykes isn't saying much. He's playing it close to the vest after seeing the recruiting process up close, thanks to former teammates Brandon Warren and Dustin Lindsey, who signed with Florida State and UT, respectively.

• Golden Tate: Tate hasn't shown strong interest in the Vols but you can be sure that UT's coaches will try to keep the 5-11, 180-pound athlete in state.

Tate, who is from Pope John Paul II in Hendersonville, could play running back, wide receiver, defensive back or be a kick return specialist in college.

• Chris Walker: Walker was thought to be leaving the state until the 6-3, 220-pound linebacker from Christian Brothers in Memphis took a closer look at the Vols last weekend.

UT's recent success in landing West Tennessee prospects should help the Vols with Walker, who will visit nearly a dozen schools this summer.

• Lennon Creer/Caleb King/ Bo Williams: I list these three together because UT could use a big-name tailback in this class. After all, current starting tailback Arian Foster will be a junior in 2007. Also, UT's backup situation at tailback is young and unsettled.

Montario Hardesty has shown promise but is coming off of two knee injuries as he enters his second year in the program. And LaMarcus Coker has yet to live up to his high school billing for a variety of reasons, including nagging injuries.

Creer is a 6-1, 202-pound tailback from Tatum (Texas) High. He is considering UT and Florida.

King, who is from Parkview High in Lilburn Ga., is considering several schools including UT, Notre Dame, Southern Cal and Georgia. UT may have a tough row to hoe in order to land the 5-11, 185-pound King.

Williams is from Oakland Park, Fla. The 6-1, 212-pounder has more than 50 scholarship offers and is considering several schools. He said he plans to visit UT, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Florida, Florida State and Georgia this summer.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting and may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.