Here’s a piece of advice for those recruiting Lennon Creer. Don’t try to strong-arm him.

Creer has all but eliminated schools within the lone star state because the only school that caught his fancy, the University of Texas, didn’t show the patience he felt he deserved.

"I thought about Texas but they put a deadline on me," the 6-foot-1, 202-pound tailback said. "We just kind of both went our separate ways."

The Tatum (Texas) High School star admitted the Longhorns’ demands offended him. Does that mean he looks forward to getting some revenge on the field?

"Absolutely," Creer said.

Creer’s feelings about schools in Texas have opened the door for Tennessee and Florida. Creer, who has numerous offers, said he’s wide open to several schools but only plans to visit Knoxville and Gainesville this summer. He’ll do so in July.

"They have a lot of tradition and they’re winning programs," Creer said. "I just want to check them out."

Despite living in Big 12 country, Creer seems determined to play in the SEC, which he believes is the nation’s best conference.

"That’s where the best football teams are," said Creer, who said he’s posted a 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash.

Creer rushed for 2,106 yards last season and scored 17 touchdowns. His team won the 3A championship as he was named to the first-team all-state team.

"I’m strong and I’m fast too," Creer said when asked to describe his running style. "I have great vision."

Creer’s early impression of UT and Florida might depend on what prospect G.J. Kinne says about his recent SEC tour. He is also considering UT and Florida. The quarterback from Gilmer (Texas) High School is a competitor and a friend to Creer.

"We played him last year and knocked them out of the playoffs," Creer said.

UT running backs’ coach Trooper Taylor is recruiting both prospects.

Creer doesn’t delay when asked what he wants out of a prospective college.

"A family atmosphere," he said, "great tradition and to come in and play and make an impact."

If immediate playing time does indeed end up being a significant factor in Creer’s decision, then that would seem to favor the Vols. UT has only one proven contributor at tailback returning from last season, sophomore Arian Foster.

Florida returns 87.8 percent of its rushing offense from last season, including senior DeShawn Wynn and sophomores Markus Manson and Kestahn Moore.