Brimfield concludes ’07 class?

"The main thing I liked about UT was the coaches, the players and Knoxville itself is nice," Brimfield said after his visit. "If the visit went well, I knew I was going to commit."

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound defensive tackle from Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School in Neeses, S.C., gave his pledge to UT’s coaches during his official visit to Knoxville this weekend. By doing so, Brimfield became UT’s 27th commitment. The Vols are expected to sign 27 prospects this year.

The only way UT could sign more is if they see a dire enough academic issue for one or more of its recruits that will require a stopover at a prep school or junior college.

UT’s coaches will be in maintenance mode to make sure none of their committed prospects stray.

Two of UT’s commitments contemplated taking official visits this month.

Receiver Brent Vinson from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., scheduled an official visit to West Virginia for next weekend but cancelled the trip on Sunday.

U.S. Army All-American receiver Gerald Jones from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City has been considering an official visit to Florida but maintains he’s firmly committed to the Vols.

Brimfield’s commitment caps an impressive run of defensive lineman for UT. Since November, UT has secured four defensive linemen for the 2007 class. The Vols only had one commitment from a defensive lineman before November.

Brimfield also considered North Carolina and Clemson. He originally committed to UNC in June but reneged when former head coach John Bunting was fired and replaced by Butch Davis.

"They kind of slacked off a little bit," Brimfield said of UNC’s recruiting efforts. "They had to get a new coaching staff in but they came back pretty strong."

Committing to UT certainly has its advantages. The Vols lost three defensive tackles who started a game last year. The replacements are largely unproven.

"I know that if I go there and work hard, there’s a good chance for early playing time," Brimfield said. "Even the players mentioned it, too."

Brimfield’s commitment would seem to guarantee UT at least a top-five recruiting class nationally.

Compiling UT’s 2007 class has been a far different journey than last season. Following a 5-6 campaign, the Vols had to scramble to secure 21 commitments in 2006, seven of which were either dismissed, not admitted or forced to attend a prep school or junior college because of academic shortcomings.

Safety Help: Nevin McKenzie was a late addition to UT’s official visitor list this weekend. The safety from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, also is considering Florida and Arkansas. The 6-2, 210-pound junior college prospect could be a fantastic fit for the Vols after losing starting safety Demetrice Morley last week to academics.