SAN ANTONIO — Organizers of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl made

Tennessee wait — and wait — for the most highly anticipated

announcement of the recruiting season.

Finally, after almost four complete quarters of the nationally

televised all-star football game Saturday afternoon, Chris Donald of

Huntingdon High School ended months of speculation when the 6-foot-3,

220-pound linebacker committed to UT over Notre Dame.

"I’m happy to get it off my chest," Donald, the state’s

No. 1 prospect according to the News Sentinel, said after the game.

"I’m just overwhelmed right now."

The good news for the Vols started in the second quarter when

Cincinnati LaSalle defensive lineman Ben Martin picked UT over Ohio

State, Florida and Notre Dame.

"After my visit it just felt like home for me," the 6-5, 255-pound

Martin said. "It was a great place. I had to go with my gut on this

one."

Even when word began to leak late Friday that Martin had picked UT,

it still seemed improbable the Vols would pull a star prospect away

from Ohio State just days before the Buckeyes play for BCS national

championship.

"They’re going to have a few words for me, but I don’t

really care," Martin said of returning home to Buckeye fans. "It’s

my choice, not theirs."

Donald and Martin first contemplated playing together as Vols during

an official visit. What is so surprising is that the official visit

wasn’t in Knoxville.

"We met at Notre Dame but we’re going to Tennessee," Martin

said. "It was a good ride."

Donald said being a lifelong UT fan contributed to his choice, but

there were other factors as well, such as playing under defensive

coordinator John Chavis, who also coaches linebackers.

"It was the biggest factor, I think," Donald said. "He’s going

to teach me what to do and teach me the right ways to do it. I just

have to go and perform for him."

The news wasn’t all positive for UT. Despite showing interest

in joining the Vols earlier this week, defensive lineman Luther Davis

from Monroe, La., committed to LSU.

"The main thing was that I have former teammates there already," the

6-4, 255-pound Davis said. "I’m friends with almost everyone

there."

Davis had talked about taking official visits later this month,

including one to UT. That’s no longer the plan.

"I’m done for right now," Davis said.

Martin and Donald both came here knowing their future plans.

"I made my decision on my own," Martin said, "then I talked to Chris

and he said he was going to Tennessee too."

Securing Donald ends a two-year streak of losing the state’s

top player. The Vols lost out a year ago when tight end/defensive end

Brandon Warren of Alcoa picked Florida State (although Chattanooga

Baylor offensive lineman Jacques McClendon, the No. 2 player, chose

UT). In 2005, receiver Patrick Turner of Nashville Goodpasture selected

Southern Cal and offensive lineman Michael Oher of Memphis Briarcrest

Christian chose Ole Miss.

"I just felt all the love from the fans and the coaches are great,"

Donald said. "I can’t wait to play for Coach Chavis and Coach

(Phillip) Fulmer."

Tennessee has 28 commitments for the 2007 signing class. National

Signing Day is Feb. 7.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.