McKenzie commits, may ease safety woes

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound safety from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, informed UT coaches of his decision on Saturday.

"It feels good to know where I’m going to be," McKenzie said Sunday afternoon.

McKenzie seemed like he was close to committing to UT last week during an interview with the News Sentinel. McKenzie said his parents, particularly his mother, were most comfortable with UT.

The junior college star could fill a huge void for UT, who lost starting safety Demetrice Morley to academic shortcomings following the fall semester.

"It’s my spot to lose," McKenzie said of his chances to play, and maybe start, immediately. "I just feel like football is football. I’ll have to step it up. There’s going to be a transition from every level."

McKenzie said he plans to enroll in June. He also was considering Florida, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

UT has 28 commitments for the 2007 class. Depending on the academic standing of its commitments and undecided prospects, UT could sign more than 28.

UT’s latest commitment is the first that would put the Vols over the NCAA mandated 85-scholarship limit, barring academic shortcomings. Such academic issues, however, are almost a given for any class.

Rutgers Revival: Rutgers’ magical season in 2006 must be paying recruiting dividends in 2007. The Scarlet Knights received a commitment from Jourdon Brooks on Saturday, according to ScarletNation.com.

Brooks had long said he was leaning toward signing with UT. Then, he said Rutgers pulled into a tie with UT following an official visit on Jan. 19. Suddenly his recruitment was over this weekend. The 6-1, 240-pound running back/linebacker from Seneca Valley High School in Germantown, Md., is Rutgers’ 22nd commitment.

Jones’ Journey: Even though he committed to Clemson last fall, Markish Jones seems far from finalizing his decision. The receiver from Broome High School in Spartanburg, S.C., who took an official visit to UT this weekend, will take an official visit to Alabama on Friday.

Postponement: A weekend visit to Alabama prompted Michael McNeil to postpone the announcement he had scheduled for Tuesday, according to Bamaonline.com.

The 6-2, 200-pound safety from Davidson High School in Mobile, Ala., has long considered UT but is widely thought to be leaning toward Auburn or Florida State. Alabama’s surge would seem to shove UT back in line.

Tide Turnaround: Defensive tackle Luther Davis withdrew his commitment to LSU and committed to Alabama, according to TigerBait.com. The 6-4, 255-pound defensive tackle from West Monroe (La.) High had considered UT before committing to LSU at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6.