Donald, Smith have common likes: Irish, Vols

Tennessee’s coaches and commitments had a chance to woo some prospects at UT’s senior camp last Saturday. One meeting could pay tremendous dividends for the Vols, a budding friendship between two of UT’s top in-state targets: Chris Donald and Harrison Smith.

"The coaches just wanted us to meet each other," said Smith, a 6-foot-3, 205-pounder from Catholic High School, who could play safety, linebacker or fullback in college. "I liked him. He seemed like a good guy."

UT and Notre Dame seem to be at the forefront for the services of both prospects. Smith visited South Bend, Ind., last week.

"I thought it helped me because I knew Tennessee pretty well but I didn’t know that much about Notre Dame," Smith said. "It was good going up there and learning."

As for Donald, the 6-2, 220-pound linebacker from Huntingdon High School said he will visit Notre Dame within two weeks and hopes to visit Alabama and Ole Miss before he announces a decision in late July.

Donald said — as of now — it’s a two-horse race between Notre Dame and UT for his services. The trip to Knoxville was an important one for Donald, who was able to show his mother a Division I football program.

"She was just overwhelmed," Donald said. "I got shown a lot of love when I was over there."

Donald has long been expected to eventually end up a Vol. Smith is a little tougher to predict. He said he will cut down his list to five schools, which will include UT and Notre Dame.

"I’d like to get it over before the season," Smith said of a decision. "It can get ridiculous."

Stanford could also figure into Smith’s decision. He visited the West Coast school earlier this month. A meeting with coaching legend Bill Walsh, who won four Super Bowls with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, highlighted the trip.

"It was pretty unbelievable, Smith said of the meeting. "My older brother and my dad were there. We were pretty honored just to meet him."

Proving Themselves: For those who questioned UT’s early scholarship offer to Maryville star Tyler Maples, the Vol commitment let his legs do the talking during last Saturday’s senior camp.

Maples, who committed to UT in March, posted a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash even though he didn’t have to participate in the drills since he was already committed.

"I hadn’t run my 40 in about two or three months, the 6-2, 175-pound wide receiver/defensive back said Tuesday on the News Sentinel Sports Page.

"On the first run, coach (Matt) Luke told me I got a 4.41. That was my fastest time ever. The second time I ran a 4.39. The fastest time I ever had was a 4.45."

Maples isn’t the only UT commitment to impress onlookers during the summer camp circuit. Anthony Anderson, who committed to UT in February, was one of the standout athletes during the Vols’ seven-on-seven passing camp June 10.

UT has secured seven commitments for the 2007 class. Four are from Tennessee. The focus on in-state prospects has led some to voice concern that UT has been too quick to offer local prospects, as opposed to pursuing the top players in the nation.

"I hear that but if you ask me I think it’s great," Maples said. "The in-state guys are excited about playing for UT. They want to represent their home state. I think last season got them kind of upset.

"Everybody wants to be getting five-star guys but I think we’re going to drop a lot of jaws and open a lot of eyes when all these guys get up there and work as hard as we’re going to."

Scouting Report: Maples said he was impressed with B.J. Coleman, a 6-4, 180-pound quarterback from McCallie School in Chattanooga.

"He’s built real good and he’s got a rocket arm, great footwork and a great chance to play Division I football," Maples said. "He loves UT."

UT is evaluating Coleman.

On Air: Smith will be interviewed 11:30 a.m. today on the News Sentinel Sports Page on the Sports Animal (99.1 FM, 99.3 FM and 990 AM).