Tennessee has taken the lead in the race for Lennon Creer.

Creer, a highly touted running back from Tatum (Texas) High School, said UT has recently moved ahead of Miami.

"I feel like if I go to Tennessee I’d go to a good school and a good team," he said. "The offensive line is really good. They’re going to have a solid line in the future."

The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Creer had scheduled to announce his college decision on Aug. 16, but he said he cancelled because he was torn between the Vols and Hurricanes.

Creer said he’s also considering Oklahoma, Florida, Nebraska and Oklahoma State. He said he plans to take all five of his official visits this fall unless he’s ready to go ahead and commit.

Creer said he watched UT’s 35-18 win over California on ESPN on Saturday. He said he didn’t expect the Vols to play as well as they did.

"They’re good," he said. "It was more lopsided than what I expected. It surprised me a lot."

Creer said one reason he couldn’t decide between UT and Miami last month was he hadn’t seen Miami’s campus. He took an unofficial visit to UT in July.

Creer said an official trip to Miami would help make his decision easier.

"I want to go visit," he said. "The way it sounded, the coaches are real friendly. I want to see what it’s like out there."

Creer has continued to say early playing time is an important factor in his decision.

If Creer chooses UT, he will certainly face strong competition. Sophomore Arian Foster and freshmen Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker all saw time at running back on Saturday.

Creer said he isn’t worried about competing for a spot.

"I feel like I can play wherever I go," he said.

Creer had planned to make his announcement during the summer to avoid a distraction to his senior season. He said he’s trying to keep his college recruitment away from the high school field.

"I’m just trying to concentrate on the season," he said.