Bailey always planned to pick UT

Some prospects make their college decisions based off a official visit to a college game.

Not Preston Bailey.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville made his decision based off an unofficial visit to a Tennessee scrimmage in August of last year.

“Ever since that visit, in the back of my mind I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Bailey said after committing to the Vols on Wednesday.

Bailey can now concentrate on more pressing matters.

“Now I get to focus on my academics, my senior year, and, more specifically, focus on bringing a state championship back to my school,” Bailey said.

Bailey, who is the News Sentinel’s fifth best prospect in Tennessee, said he is completely recovered from the slightly sprained knee he suffered in preseason camp.

As frustrating as the early setback was, the injury helped cement his college future.

“A week after the injury, I got a letter from Coach (Phillip) Fulmer,” Bailey said of UT’s quick show of support.

The injury certainly didn’t affect UT’s interest in Bailey — but it will limit what he plays this season. MBA had toyed with the idea of playing Bailey on defense. Now, that idea is scrapped after the knee scare.

Many prospects point to UT’s family atmosphere as a primary reason they decide to be a Vol. Falling right in line, Bailey has already found two surrogate fathers.

“I already see Coach Cut (offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe) and Coach Fulmer as father figures,” Bailey said. “That’s the one big thing that really got me to commit there.

“It’s more than just football.”

Bailey is UT’s second commitment this year from MBA, joining fullback Ben Bartholomew. Bailey is UT’s ninth commitment of the 2008 signing class.