Tennessee continues to improve its standing with star prospect Preston Bailey.

The Vols most recent surge came last weekend when Bailey visited Knoxville for the Orange and White Game.

"The trip was very nice, just like every time I come up to Knoxville," the 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville said. "The coaches are great and the atmosphere is great."

Bailey made the trip with his father, who was also impressed.

"He enjoys it up there just as much as I do," Bailey said.

Trips to Knoxville aren’t what they once were. There’s no surprise factor after countless trips down I-40. Still, there were impressions made — or perhaps reinforced — on the latest visit.

"I notice every time I go to Knoxville how genuine the coaches are," Bailey said. "Each time I go up there I see it more and more."

Bailey said he spoke with Smyrna star receiver Rod Wilks last weekend. The two are likely the best prospects in the state this season and key targets for UT.

Bailey made the visit without teammate/UT commitment Ben Bartholomew, who was participating in a track meet.

"He’s letting me make my decision but, at the same time, he’s giving me that little nudge to Tennessee," Bailey said of the fullback/tight end/defensive end prospect.

Bailey said he plans to visit several schools, including Clemson, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Michigan and Notre Dame.

"I would like to make as many visits as possible so I can get a feel for every school I’m looking at," Baileys said. "I’m staying open in the recruiting process. It’s all up in the air right now."

That will make for a busy summer and, if things go according to plan, a busy fall. Bailey said he’ll take all five of his official visits then announce a decision shortly thereafter.