Marlon Walls' scholarship offers continue to mount.

Tennessee and Florida had just offered the linebacker from Wooddale High School in Memphis. They joined Auburn and Ole Miss. All had extended formal invitations by mid-April.

Minnesota, Arkansas, Memphis and Mississippi State have entered the fray.

"I'm just blessed to have that opportunity," Walls said of the surge in interest. "I appreciate that."

The fact that he had 58 tackles and five sacks last season, as well as 12 receptions and five touchdowns in a limited role at tight end helped.

As for leaders, Walls cites four schools -- UT, Florida, Auburn and Ole Miss -- as the programs he talks to most often.

"I guess that's my top four," he said.

UT fans shouldn't fret. More options may not mean more competition, especially with the way Walls feels about playing football in Knoxville.

"I've been wanting to go there since I was young," Walls said of UT. "That's my dream school."

Walls seems to be UT's prospect for the taking. A strong push from the Vols could result in an immediate commitment. UT will start making those type of advances later this month after the spring evaluation period, when they compile and rank the prospects they're pursuing.

Florida could prove to be the toughest competition.

"I'm loving Florida right now," Walls said. "I keep in touch with (head) Coach (Urban) Meyer and (defensive coordinator) Coach (Charlie) Strong."

As for his other suitors, Minnesota and Auburn are worth watching.

"I've got to respect the love that they showed me (for offering me first)," Walls said of Auburn.

Walls will visit UT in mid-June for its annual football camp. He'll visit Auburn in early June and Ole Miss in July.

"I'm looking for something that stands out," Walls said.

Even though Walls has sent out some pretty strong hints that he wants to end up being a Vol, don't hold your breath waiting for an announcement. Walls said he'll make his final decision shortly before National Signing Day in February.

"I'm going to make them wait," Walls said.