Antoine McClain is in the middle of a touring session.

The offensive lineman from Anniston (Ala.) High School will visit Tennessee this weekend to watch the Orange and White game on Saturday.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound McClain said he looks forward to seeing how UT's coaches interact with the players.

"I know they'll have physical play," he said. "I guess we get a tour of the facilities and we get to eat and watch them practice. We meet new people. I'll get a kick out of it."

McClain's family should have a good lay of the land. His father attended Knoxville College.

McClain has already taken trips to Auburn and Alabama this spring, and he plans to visit LSU, Georgia and Florida before the end of the summer. Florida is the only school that hasn't offered him a scholarship.

McClain said he's thankful for the opportunity to visit Division I schools before his senior season begins.

"I get to travel to see stuff I've never seen before," he said. "It's a blessing from God. It's overwhelming."

McClain has been in contact with UT running backs coach Kurt Roper, who's in charge of recruiting McClain. Roper has sent the message that McClain is a high priority in the Vols' 2008 signing class.

"He was just telling me about the weight rooms and their facilities and how they take care of the players," McClain said. "He was just saying Tennessee is the place to be. I guess I'll find out for myself."

McClain has already found a need for offensive linemen at UT. The Vols only signed two in the 2007 class.

"They told me I've got a chance to make an early impact on the team," McClain said. "I'm going to see.

"If I had to redshirt I don't mind. If I can help the team in any way, I'll be grateful for that."

McClain said college coaches have told him he has what it takes to help early on the offensive line.

"From what I've been hearing from college level athletics," he said, "it's hard to be a 300-pound dude that can move. Being athletic and disciplined helps me. There's always stuff I can improve on, but I do have the quickness."

McClain said he expects members of the community to try to convince him to stay in state and choose Auburn or Alabama. He said he won't allow those opinions to add pressure to his decision.

"When it comes down to it I'm going to be the person to decide where I go," he said. "I make the decision. I'm going to consider all the stuff and I'm going to make my own decision."