Trooper Taylor isn't the only Taylor recruiting Bo Williams to Tennessee.

Williams, a running back from Northeast High School in Oakland Park, Fla., said Taylor's son, Blaise, calls or sends him a text message daily. Williams said interacting with Blaise, 10, has been a new experience.

"I was shocked because he (Blaise) actually knows about me," said Williams, who attended UT's senior camp on June 17. "He knows my school, position, my yards; he looked at my film.

"When he saw me he was like, 'It's Bo,' and gave me a hug. It's like we're brothers. It's so much fun and exciting to see a smile on a kid's face that really looks up to someone."

Trooper Taylor, UT's wide receivers coach, is the UT assistant assigned to Williams' recruitment. Williams said he saw a family atmosphere when he visited UT.

"Me and Troop have a bond," the 6-foot-1, 212-pounder said. "There's so much love. Who wouldn't want to be in an environment like that when there's so much love?"

Williams said his visit to Knoxville marked the first time he had been outside Florida or Alabama. He said the visit went better than he expected.

"I didn't really know too much about Tennessee," he said. "I thought it'd maybe be in the middle of nowhere. But I got there and it's huge, it's nice.

"The atmosphere is great. The people are great, very respectful."

Williams said he sees an opportunity to come in and compete for playing time at UT his freshman year in 2007. He said the opportunity for early playing time is important.

"That means a lot to me," he said. "I'm just blessed to have the athletic ability I do to even have a chance to compete on the college level."

Williams is one of the most highly touted running backs in the country. He has offers from about 50 schools, including UT, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Louisiana State, Nebraska and Pittsburgh.

Williams said he hasn't started narrowing his list but said he does plan to take official visits to UT, Nebraska and Pittsburgh this fall. He said he will take unofficial visits to Florida, Florida State and Georgia this summer.

Williams said his combination of size and speed at running back has drawn comparisons to former Auburn and Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson.

"He's one of my idols," Williams said. "My coaches always told me I have a similar running style to him. To be in the same category with Bo Jackson, that really means a lot to a young high school kid."

Williams said he believes he's compared to Jackson because he can run over or around a defender. Williams said he prefers the physical approach.

"I like to run through you," he said. "If you're in the way you're going to have to move. That's how I look at it."

Williams said one area of his game he has worked to improve is his footwork. Williams said his father suggested he take up tennis.

"He said, 'Believe it or not son, tennis may be a good sport for your footwork and side to side movement,'" Williams said. "Actually it did. You've got to be quick on your feet in tennis.

"I carry what I learned on the tennis court onto the field. That's where it helped me to be a better back."

Williams said his physical growth has allowed his confidence to follow right along.

"I never had doubts at all," he said. "I just knew I could be better than what I was. I got stronger. I just carried it all onto the field."