There was a time when Gerald Jones didn't know who to believe.

The wide receiver from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City committed to Tennessee in late November. He thought the decision would end his recruitment, but it only increased the attention from other schools.

Coaches from those schools used negative recruiting against the Vols trying to change Jones' mind. They told him UT's coaches would move him from wide receiver and make him play defense.

In the end, the 6-foot, 190-pound Jones stuck with his commitment and signed a national letter of intent with UT in February.

Jones talked about handling the recruiting process and preparing to play immediately at UT in this GVX Q&A.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from your official visit to UT?

A: Seeing (Neyland) Stadium at its loudest. Man it was crazy. I couldn't even hear myself talk, think or anything. It's kind of like (the fans) had two sides. Before the game they were real nice, real kind. During the game they took everything personally. They were real kind people in Tennessee, but when game time comes, they love their football so they take it seriously.

Q: How different was the atmosphere at Neyland Stadium compared to what you had seen on television?

A: When I was watching it on TV, the stadium is what made me take the official visit. When you're in the stadium, it's way different from watching it on TV. It's crazy.

Q: How difficult was it to handle the attention during the recruiting process?

A: Real tough. Managing your time was your biggest thing. At that time I was taking core classes. I had to get my homework done. You're getting texts and calls every night. You stay on the phone for about 30 minutes. It was hard. Sometimes you had to reject the coaches' calls at times because they would call so much.

Q: You were still recruited heavily after you committed to UT. Was it difficult to handle the pressure from other schools after you committed?

A: It was really tough. Once I committed to Tennessee, it just made all the other schools come and try to get me a lot harder. They were pointing out things that Tennessee had done in the past and telling me things like I'm not going to play the position I want to play. They said I'd have to play a different position and all this false information. At the time I didn't know it was false. I was thinking, 'Oh really?' I didn't know if I wanted to go to Tennessee. It was a bumpy road. It was tough.

Q: You built a strong relationship with defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell. What did he tell you when other schools were using negative recruiting?

A: At one point in time he was kind of baffled. He was worried why I was questioning my commitment. I told him this is what I'm hearing from other schools. He said that's just a part of recruiting. Once they know you're committed, they'll try to do anything in their will power to get you to de-commit and come to their school. I just had to talk to Coach Caldwell about it.

Q: UT coach Phillip Fulmer called you early on National Signing Day. What did you tell him that morning?

A: I think he was worried because that Saturday (before Signing Day), that was my last time talking to Coach Fulmer and anybody on the coaching staff at Tennessee. Before that I was wavering back and forth. That Saturday night I made my commitment to stay with Tennessee. I guess they didn't know. I hadn't talked to them since Saturday. He called me at about 6:45 in the morning on Wednesday asking me where my heart was leaning toward. I told him he had nothing to worry about. I'm going to the University of Tennessee. I think that kind of cheered him up.

Q: When did you know you would be able to play football at the Division I level?

A: I kind of had a feeling in little league, but now that I think back little league always has that one person that stood out. I kind of stood out. I don't want to say I was better, just a little more developed. When I really noticed I was pretty good and had a chance to play on the next level was probably my junior year in high school. We switched coaches and had an offense that fit my style of play. I put up some pretty impressive numbers and did some things I don't see some college players doing. I figured I was halfway decent.

Q: Three former Millwood players, the Woods brothers (Rashaun, D'Juan and Donovan), all went on to have success at Oklahoma State. Have they given you any advice to help develop your game?

A: Donovan and Rashaun and D'Juan all three come back. I see them all the time. They just come back and see the traditions and past times and what they used to do. They come back during the football season and talk during halftime or before the game. D'Juan and I especially have a good relationship. He's just helped me with things to do and look for. He gave me a little info on what to do in college and how to do it.

Q: You were in Knoxville last month for the Orange and White Game. What did you think of the game?

A: That was really cool. As far as the game, the game was real cool. I enjoyed watching the wide receivers and everything. The fans were the most impressive thing to me because they were so kind to all of us. They knew who you were. They care about the football players in Knoxville. They'd walk around and say 'Hey Gerald,' and I'd talk to them for a little bit.

Q: When you watched UT's spring game, did you see a need for you to contribute as a freshman at wide receiver?

A: A lot of people have been asking me that. I think there's always an opportunity for a freshman or someone to come in and start. I'm not saying I'm better than any of the guys there. I love that they catch the ball and they're very aggressive. They're excellent at that. What I want to provide for Tennessee is to go the extra mile. I want to catch the ball, but what I didn't see them do is get yards after the catch. I'm not saying they can't do it, but I think I can help them. I think that can win or lose the game for you with field position.