Savage likes what he sees in Vols' swarming defense

Jomarcus Savage can relate to Tennessees style on defense.

The defensive end from J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Ala., said he plays with the same approach as the Vols.

I like the way they swarm to the ball, the 6-foot-3, 263-pounder said. Thats every play. They always have more than three orange jerseys around the ball.

Its the same aggressive style Savage preaches to his defense.

I tell everyone to swarm to the ball, he said. If our defense plays a big running back, youve got to swarm. I dont like it when one guy makes a tackle and the rest of the players are walking away.

Savage left Knoxville last weekend impressed by UTs campus. He participated in the Vols senior camp Saturday.

I liked it a lot, Savage said. The campus is real big. The coaches are real warm, like family. I liked that.

It was Savages second visit to UT. He said he took part in a three-day camp last summer.

Savage said he was slowed a bit last weekend by turf toe in his two big toes. Still, he was able to participate in all but the one-on-one drills.

Its just hard to plant if I want to make a move to go outside or inside, he said.

UT is one of three schools to offer Savage a scholarship. Hes also received formal invitations from Auburn and Southern Miss.

Savage said hes received heavy interest from Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas and Clemson.

Savage said Auburn has recruited him the strongest. He said that was evident last week when his grandfather passed away and the Tiger coaches called to offer their support.

Somehow they found out about it, Savage said. They told me to keep my head up. It made me feel good. It showed they cared about me more than just playing football.

Savage said he was disappointed early on to not receive an offer from Alabama. Still, he said that wont hurt the Tides chances if an offer does arrive.

I realized not everyone gets offered in the summer, he said. My time will come.

The Vols will have support as they recruit against Auburn and Alabama.

Savage said he noticed how UTs weight program helped two former Vols from his area, offensive lineman Arron Sears and receiver Jayson Swain.

Sears attended high school in Russellville, Ala. Swain attended Grissom High School in Huntsville.

I saw them in high school and when they came out of UT, Savage said. Their 40(-yard dash) times came down. Their flexibility increased. Its incredible. Their weight programs at a high level.

Savage took an unofficial visit to Clemson on Sunday after leaving UT. He said hes considering a trip to Auburn on July 14.

Savage said he hasnt made firm plans for his five official visits allotted by the NCAA, but he would like to visit UT, Auburn and Clemson.