One of the top football prospects in Tennessee has all but promised he's leaving the state.

"I've never been a real big Tennessee fan," said Golden Tate, who is considering Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Alabama, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. "I kind of want to get out of the state."

In truth, the Commodores only stand a chance (likely a slim one) because they have recruited the mid-state prospect so diligently.

It's apparent that Tate, who was selected as the sixth-best prospect in the state by the News Sentinel, is determined to cross state boundaries to further his football career.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from Pope John Paul II in Hendersonville said Notre Dame and Georgia Tech have the early lead for his services.

Whichever school lands Tate will have an interesting decision on its hands. Tate could play a number of positions, including tailback, wide receiver, defensive back and/or kick return specialist.

"His versatility," Pope John Paul II coach Jeff Brothers told the News Sentinel when asked what makes Tate so special in April. "He can score. He's one of the rare guys that can really score from anywhere on the field. He's dangerous every time he has his hands on the ball."

Tate scored from four different positions in a game twice last year: tailback, wide receiver, defensive back and punt returner.

Brothers was so impressed with Tate's versatility that he has compared him to former Southern Cal star Reggie Bush, who won the Heisman Trophy last season before being selected by the New Orleans Saints with the second pick in the NFL draft.

Tate can be almost as elusive in interviews as he is on the football field. While Notre Dame and Georgia Tech seem to have an early lead, Tate seems to keep most of his true feelings close to the vest.

Franklin High wide receiver Todd Campbell tried to convince Tate to consider the Vols shortly after Campbell committed to UT in April. Campbell said the effort was fruitless.

Tate said his focus is not on choosing a college, it's on securing a state championship for Pope John Paul II after falling short last season.

"I don't want my head to get too big," Tate said, "just because I'm a college prospect."