Hooker: Peachy defensive end Wynn keeps open mind about Vols

Wynn, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga., was in Sanford Stadium for an unofficial visit on Oct. 17 as UT drubbed Georgia 51-33.

This week, Wynn will take in another SEC rivalry. He'll travel to Knoxville for an official visit.

"He's what you want as a defensive end," head coach Burke Williams said. "He's got a motor that's excellent. He's a great edge rush guy and he's also great against the run."

Wherever Wynn lands, his selected school will have some flexibility utilizing his skills. Wynn's size makes one think he'll play defensive tackle in college. Williams, however, predicts his quickness will keep him outside.

"I think he'll be an end," Williams said, "(but) he could play tackle. ... He's got great quickness. He plays sideline to sideline."

"He's also been a great leader for us. He comes to work everyday and demands the same of everyone on the team."

Wynn wasn't highly touted when he came out of Lincoln County High School in Lincolnton, Ga., in 2005. Academic issues kept him from being a top prospect.

Now that grades aren't an issue, at least 25 to 30 colleges came calling for the NJCAA honorable mention preseason All-America candidate. Wynn has whittled that list down to five: UT, Georgia, Florida, Auburn and South Carolina. He'll take official visits to all the SEC destinations.

Wynn's criteria is simple. He wants to play close to home in the SEC.

Given Wynn's Georgia ties, UT fans could be skeptical that Wynn will be willing to leave the Peach State. Williams said that shouldn't be a concern for any prospect from Georgia Military College.

"I think he's looking at everybody equally," Williams said. "These guys are pretty mature kids. They've gone through a lot in our program. They're going to take a look and see what's best for them. I think they have had open eyes.

"The way Tennessee's playing doesn't hurt."

Unofficial Visitors: UT commitment Deshaun Barnes from Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Fla., told GoVolsXtra.com that he was going to visit Knoxville this weekend along with teammate Brandon Paul.

Paul is a highly recruited athlete, who could play a number of positions in college. The trek would be an arduous one for the two, who have a high school game Friday night. UT hosts Alabama at 3:30.

While UT isn't likely holding its breath that Barnes and Paul will make it to Knoxville, doing so would show a sincere interest by Paul.

Barnes, who could play safety or linebacker in college, committed to UT last month.