Tennessee answered DeAngelo Willingham's most important question when other schools wouldn't.

The cornerback from College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., signed a national letter of intent to play football for UT on Feb. 7.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Willingham was drawn to UT by the chance to play early. The Vols will replace both starting cornerbacks from last year, and Willingham has a chance to earn one of those spots.

He said other schools wouldn't guarantee him an opportunity to play immediately, but UT did.

Willingham, a Calhoun, S.C. native, talked about making an immediate impact at UT and preparing to play at Neyland Stadium in this GVX Q & A.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from an official visit?

A: Hanging out with the players and viewing (Neyland) Stadium. It was exciting to see the big stadium. It was huge. I was ready to play in the stadium when it's packed.

Q: What was your least favorite part about recruiting?

A: Asking questions about playing time. Some of the coaches didn't want to answer. It wasn't Tennessee; it was other schools, like Nebraska. They didn't really want to tell me where I stand having a chance to play.

Q: How frustrating was that, trying to get an answer about your chances of playing early?

A: It was very frustrating. As the season went on, our team didn't win so many games. Recruiting fell off for me. When I asked about playing time they didn't want to answer. Tennessee told me I would have a chance to come in and start. They weren't guaranteeing I'd start. They said I'd have a chance to do it. I didn't get any of that from Nebraska. They said they needed me and that's it. After I committed to Tennessee, Florida and Clemson and South Carolina tried to jump in it. I was already committed then.

Q: Who has had the most significant influence on your football career?

A: Probably my mother. She was always saying, 'You need to keep God first.' She liked to see me play. She hasn't seen me play since I graduated from high school. That's one of the main reasons I came back close to home (signing with UT). She's always supported me.

Q: When did you know you would have a future in football?

A: My tenth grade year. I was the only cornerback to make first-team all-region from our district. After that year I was labeled a lock-down corner. I didn't take it as me being the best. I just played my game.

Q: How much help have you received from your last two years in junior college?

A: Probably my second year helped me out the most as far as transferring from junior college to Division 1. We run the same coverage defense at Tennessee as we did out here. That helped me out here. The playing speed wasn't that big of a difference, but it was a little. I'm more mature now. I understand the game more. I can see more things as they happen. I can read routes better and my instincts are better.

Q: Is there a player you model your game after?

A: Probably Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey. Champ Bailey tackles a little bit more than Deion, and I do both. These days it's real important. Coaches are looking for sure open field tacklers. I'm real good at open field tackles. I have long arms and move quickly with shifty running backs.

Q: What are your goals at UT?

A: My first goal is to come in and earn my starting spot. I'm going to make all conference. I know I'll make that. If I play good enough I'll try to make it to the (NFL).

Q: What is your favorite part about playing football?

A: The fans. I feed off the crowd. I like all the attention and stuff and it makes me better. It's going to be a good experience. I'm ready for the first home game (Sept. 8 against Southern Miss). We have Cal away (in the opener), but I'm ready for that first home game to see how it is.

Q: UT signee Will Brimfield said he was the better player when you two were basketball rivals in high school. Is he right?

A: He's not the better player. I'm too quick for him. He can't guard me. He's probably taller. He can't guard me, not outside the box. I was alright in high school. We had a good team besides just me. We had a lot of really good players. Everybody played as a team.