Anthony Anderson doesn't have to look far for inspiration. It's sitting around the dinner table every night.

By all accounts, Anderson, who was selected as the ninth-best college football prospect in Tennessee by the News Sentinel, has the same drive as his father, Sam Anderson, who coached Austin-East High School to two state titles and two runner-up finishes.

"To be the best," Roadrunners coach Kwayu Graham said, "he definitely has that like his father."

Sam Anderson was a standout running back and sprinter at Gibbs High, played football for Tennessee Tech and qualified for the NCAA track championships as a sprinter.

If Dad wasn't enough motivation, there's also some pressure from Anderson's twin sister, who also happens to be one of the state's top athletes. Jenae Anderson won the state title in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter sprints. She was also a part of Austin East's 4x100 relay team that captured the state title.

"I play off of her," Anderson said. "She tells me to go out there and think of your twin and you'll do good.

"She's my motivator."

Anderson didn't need any motivation to commit to UT in February. He did so soon after the Vols offered him a scholarship. He was excited to play for his beloved Vols. He was also excited to picture his father in the stands.

That scenario was very much in doubt just two months before when Anderson wasn't a highly touted prospect.

College football, however, was the furthest thing from Anderson's mind when his father had a heart attack Dec. 4.

"Me and my dad are real close," Anderson said. "Ever since he had his heart attack, we became closer. That's one of the reasons I decided to go to Tennessee so he and my family could see me play football."

Fate dealt the Andersons another tough blow just two days later when Anthony's uncle died Dec. 6. Wendell Anderson was 46. Anthony Anderson learned a lesson.

"You can't take anything for granted," he said.

Anderson was a nervous commitment when he stepped onto UT's practice field last month for UT's seven-on-seven passing camp. Suddenly he was competing against some of the top prospects in the Southeast.

He quickly put the nerves aside and proved his worth.

"At first I was a little scared because everyone was watching me," he said. "They couldn't guard me. I felt real special after that."

That's about as much bragging as you'll get out of Anderson, who shares yet another attribute with his father, who is now the city's director of Parks and Recreation and is a member of the Knox County School Board.

"I don't like a lot of attention," Anderson said. "My dad doesn't like a lot of attention either. We're kind of shy."

Anderson's humility was on display when he was told he was named one of the top ten prospects in the state.

"I knew I was good but, I didn't think I was that good," he said. "It was a shocker when I was offered (by UT). I couldn't believe it."

Anderson received interest from Miami and Virginia Tech before he committed to UT. Now, the phone has stopped ringing since he's firmly committed to be the best Vol he can be.

"Anthony has a will in himself to be the best," Graham said. "He puts a lot of pressure on himself."