Safety/linebacker Barnes commits to Vols

Barnes made the announcement on ESPNU, choosing UT over Florida, LSU, Auburn, Florida State and Illinois.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Barnes said UT's coaching staff made the decision an easy one.

"They showed me respect and a lot of love," he said. "They really wanted me. That means a lot. They really showed me I'm their guy and they can count on me.

"Tennessee was calling all the time. I just fell in love with the team."

Barnes, who was recruited by defensive coordinator John Chavis, said he felt comfortable committing to the leader of the Vols' defense.

"When a defensive coordinator calls you, he really wants you," Barnes said. "And you really want to go there."

Barnes, who plays safety at Lincoln, said he will play either safety or linebacker in college.

"I really don't mind which one it is," he said. "I just want to play football."

Barnes said he expects to contribute as a freshman for UT, a team he believes he can help compete for championships.

"I can come in and win an SEC championship and national championship," he said. "That's the only thing on my mind. Whatever they need, that's what I want to give to the team."

Barnes's decision to spurn hometown Florida State might appear surprising to some. While Lincoln has produced many Seminoles in the past, attending Florida State wasn't the right fit for Barnes.

"I never thought about going to Florida State," he said.

Part of Barnes's decision to spurn Florida State was his desire to play in the SEC. He said no other conference was on his mind.

"The best teams play in the SEC," he said. "They have the best defenses. Look at schools like Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and schools like that. They have very good defenses."

Barnes, who is UT's 12th commitment for the signing class of 2007, said he hasn't set the date for his official visit to UT. He said he will likely visit on Oct. 21 when UT hosts Alabama.

Barnes said he may still take official visits to other schools. He said he will decide within the next two weeks whether he wants to take any other visits.