Tauren Poole is wavering in his commitment to play football at Tennessee.

The tailback from Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Ga., said Thursday he's still committed to UT, but would only describe that pledge as a "6" on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being completely committed.

Poole has taken unofficial visits to Clemson, Auburn and Georgia. He plans to take a visit to Georgia Tech soon. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder said Clemson's depth chart at running back.

"That's a major plus," he said.

Clemson, like UT, returns the bulk of its productive ball carriers from last season. Unlike the Vols, the Tigers didn't sign a high school tailback in this year's signing class.

UT signed several tailbacks in its 2007 class but most are expected to move to another position. Texan Lennon Creer and Fulton's Dennis Rogan are the most likely candidates to stay at tailback.

"I knew they needed running backs, but I'm just questioning -- with all they signed -- me still having a chance to play," Poole said.

In addition to his earlier suitors, Stephens County coach Travis Noland said Notre Dame and Michigan are showing strong interest as of late.

Poole said in October that he lamented committing without his mother present.

"We'll see how it all shakes down," Noland said. "We finished spring practice and he had a great spring. He's really matured throughout his three years I've been around him. He's doing a great job leading in the weight room and in everything we're doing."

Noland, when he coached at Tuscola High in Waynesville, N.C., was part of another early UT commitment that caused fans to fret until National Signing Day. Rumors abounded that quarterback Jonathan Crompton was considering Georgia and Notre Dame before he eventually signed with UT.

A source close to Poole's recruitment said he'd be "shocked" if Poole changed his mind and signed elsewhere. However, UT's coaches can't be pleased with his travel schedule or his newly found concern over playing time.

UT has five commitments for the 2008 class.