Gerald Jones wants to take an up-close look at Tennessee.

Jones, an athlete from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City, said he watched UT's 35-18 win over California on ESPN on Sept. 2. He said the Vols' decisive win has left him planning to schedule an official visit to UT.

"I saw the atmosphere on TV with the fans," the 6-foot, 190-pounder said. "I want to be a part of that as far as seeing what's going.

"I know Tennessee has a great tradition of winning. Hopefully I can find out the rest I want to know when I go there."

Aside from the atmosphere at Neyland Stadium, Jones said he was impressed by what UT showed on the field and sideline.

"The excitement they play with is amazing," he said. "I like the style of the offense. It seems like the coaches were pumping them up whether they did good or bad."

Jones said he has already scheduled official visits to Virginia Tech on Sept. 30 and Texas Tech on Oct. 28. Along with UT, he said he plans to visit Notre Dame and Florida.

Jones said he's also strongly considering Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He said there's a 50-50 chance he'll stay in-state.

Jones, who plays quarterback at Millwood, could play several positions in college, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver or defensive back. He said UT is recruiting him to play wide receiver.

Jones's coach at Millwood, Tony Henry, said his physical ability will allow him to be successful no matter what position he plays.

"He has so much athletic ability and speed," Henry said. "He's very skilled and he has a good sense for the ball. He's elusive and has a lot of moves."

Jones has become somewhat of a local celebrity in Oklahoma City. He said he's often approached by Millwood fans that he doesn't know.

Jones said he enjoys the attention until fans start offering advice on his college recruitment.

"I listen but I don't let it influence me," he said. "They don't have to be there four years. I do. I don't want to make a mistake and regret it when I get there."

Jones said he hears a lot of pressure to stay in-state and play for Oklahoma or Oklahoma State. He said being close to home would be helpful but not necessarily what he wants.

"All my life has been counting on mama," he said, "with mama saying do this or do that. I'll become a better man if I can be on my own and handle my own situation. I look at out of state because it'll be good for me and help me grow."

Henry said he told Jones to make the decision on his own and with his family.

"I told him if he wants advice I'll help him," Henry said, "but I'm not going to try to sway him one way or another. If he keeps a good attitude and goes in and looks at everything, the decision will be made pretty easily."