Tennessee's coaches couldn't have been pleased when news broke that tailback Tauren Poole was wavering on his commitment to play football at UT.

But they shouldn't have been surprised.

After all, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound star from Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Ga., admitted last October that his commitment was made a bit hastily. Poole was supposed to wait for his mother to examine UT; but, as is often the case with early commitments, he got excited.

Then, Poole offered varying stories to different media outlets when asked whether or not he was committed.

I'm not criticizing how Poole handled the situation. Remember, he's a teenager faced with a life altering decision. It's easy to see how he could get caught up in the moment.

He's also from a mostly rural area. So, when the glamour of UT football came calling, it was tough to turn down. UT got a head start, but knew the toughest competition was sure to come.

Now, Poole is beginning to get a heaping helping of the college recruiting experience. And there's more on the way.

The spring evaluation period is just around the corner, meaning coaches named Fulmer, Richt, Weis and Bowden will be striding through his high school.

Poole describes his commitment as a "6" on a scale of one to 10. UT's coaches would take that level of commitment from any other undecided, highly touted prospect this early in the process. Fans, however, wring their hands, fearing a de-commitment from a player who's already given a pledge to play for the Vols.

Poole will look around, take some visits and make his decision. Chances are he'll stick with UT. But, if he doesn't, UT's coaches still should be credited for getting off to such an early lead.

Deja Vu?: The Vols are off to a strong start with Terrance Parks, the defensive back from Creekside High in Fairburn, Ga.

The 6-2, 200-pounder said he's considering UT, Florida, Virginia Tech, Auburn and Clemson, but admitted that the Vols and Gators have pulled ahead from the pack.

The Vols' strong standing has been bolstered by Parks' former teammate, Eric Berry, who signed with UT in February. Parks, like Berry, is projected to play defensive back in college.

"It plays a role with me going to Tennessee," Parks told govolsxtra.com about Berry. "That was my high school teammate. I'd like to play with him again. That plays a big role. We're real close. That's my boy."

The battle for Parks looks to be far simpler than the chase for Berry. This time last year, UT was battling most every school in the nation, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas and Miami for Berry. Only Florida stands in the way for Parks.

There is as much urgency to land Parks as any prospect on UT's recruiting board. He'll make his decision this summer in order to enroll in January.

Turning the Tide: UT's best defense may be a great offense. The Vols have had to hold the recruiting fort since Nick Saban was hired at Alabama in January. The Crimson Tide coach approached almost every one of UT's 2007 commitments before the Vols secured their signatures on National Signing Day last February.

Now, UT is trying to get even.

Offensive lineman Antoine McClain of Anniston (Ala.) High was scheduled to visit Knoxville this weekend. His father already knows Knoxville. He went to Knoxville College in the 1980s.

McClain has taken trips to Auburn and Alabama this spring. He said he plans to visit LSU, Georgia and Florida before the end of the summer.

McClain could fill a huge void for the Vols. UT only signed two offensive linemen in 2007. Only one, Darris Sawtelle, was signed directly out of high school.

"They told me I've got a chance to make an early impact on the team," McClain told GoVolsXtra.com.

Leaving Alabama is never easy. The Vols have lost out on far more players from that state than they've landed, but their recent success when they secure a prospect has been impressive.

Remember Arron Sears, Jason Allen or Jayson Swain?

Is McClain ready for the same in-state pressure that those players had to overcome?

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

Busy Weekend: UT invited more than 550 people, including 200 high school recruits, to campus this weekend including McClain and Parks.

Prospects and their families were able to meet with UT's coaches and take part in the Orange and White Game festivities Saturday and tour UT's campus.

Athlete Mark Ingram, the son of the former NFL receiver by the same name, made the trip from Flint, Mich. Ingram is being recruited by UT, Southern Cal, Florida, Notre Dame and Michigan.

Several in-state prospects attended, including Smyrna receiver Rodriquez Wilks and Murfreesboro Riverdale offensive lineman David Spurlock.

UT commitment Ben Bartholomew made the trip along with teammate Preston Bailey, an offensive lineman from Montgomery Bell Academy.

Cornerback Brandon Boykin from Fayette County High in Fayetteville, Ga., receiver Aaron Boyd from Henry Clay High in Lexington, Ky., and linebacker Dexter Heyman from Male High in Louisville, Ky., were some of the bigger names visiting.

The Vols were planning to host E.J. Abrams-Ward this week but the athlete from Thomasville (N.C.) High took an unofficial last weekend instead.

Under Center: The Vols are zeroed in on several quarterbacks as they look to fill the one scholarship they have slotted for 2008. Here are some of the early possibilities:

• D.C. Jefferson from Winter Haven (Fla.) High.

• Landry Jones from Artesia (N.M.) High.

• Casey Kelly from Sarasota (Fla.) High.

• Connor Kempe from North Palm Beach Benjamin High in Tequesta, Fla.

• Terrelle Pryor from Jeannette (Pa.) High.

• Curt Phillips from Sullivan South in Kingsport.

Jefferson has long been interested in UT. The feeling is definitely mutual. The Vols have some work to do to land Jones, who recently committed to Oklahoma.

Camps: The Vols will host a seven-on-seven passing camp on June 9-10 and a specialty/kicking camp on June 11 and 12. UT will hold its summer camp on June 13-15.

The Vols will hold a junior camp for seven to 12-year olds on June 11-12.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.