Coaches' group picks Sears

Sears finished the regular season with 71 knockdown blocks to cap off a streak of 31 consecutive starts. Sears has missed just one start since his freshman season and has started at every position on the line except center in his career.

The Russellville, Ala., native anchored an offensive line that excelled in pass blocking for the majority of the season and helped UT rank as the second-most productive passing team in the SEC and 13th in the nation.

Smart Kicker: UT senior kicker James Wilhoit was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America second team. The group is selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Wilhoit, a graduate student at UT, completed his communications degree last December with a 3.60 grade-point average. The semifinalist for the Draddy Award, which is considered the academic equivalent of the Heisman, and three-time Academic All-SEC selection has a 3.79 graduate school grade point average in sports psychology.

Starring Smith: Former Catholic star Harrison Smith has been invited to the East meets West All-Star event in Orlando, Fla. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder is considering UT and Notre Dame. Smith could play linebacker or safety in college.

Smith was visited by Notre Dame's coaches early this week.

Allen's Announcement: UT prospect Armando Allen is expected to announce his college decision today. The 5-10, 180-pound athlete from Miami Lakes in Hialeah, Fla., is considering UT, Florida and Notre Dame. Florida is thought to be the leader.