Countless prospects wait for a scholarship offer to play football at Tennessee. Count Derek Boyce among them.

However, if that offer never comes, the running back/defensive back from Webb School is willing to take the less heralded route to be a Vol.

"Tennessee is one of my first choices," Boyce said. "If I had the opportunity to walk-on at UT, I'd do that in a heartbeat."

Boyce may have a tough decision ahead of him, especially if a school further down on his list extends a scholarship offer and UT does not.

Such offers would seem to be imminent following Boyce's performance at a Nike combine-style camp in Columbus, Ohio, last month. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, posted a 4.24 time in the shuttle run, bench pressed 185 pounds for 15 repetitions and jumped 33 inches in the vertical.

"I thought I did pretty well," Boyce said. "I was hoping my short shuttle would be a little bit better but I was happy with my overall performance."

To this point, the schools showing the most interest have been smaller, Ivy League schools.

"None that I'm really interested in," Boyce said.

Boyce is hopeful that a large Division I school in the South comes calling. As for now, he'll keep his options open and focus on training with Petrone Training.

"I'm hoping they start to get me looked at by colleges," Boyce said. "A lot of his workouts are different than most trainers. They help you get an advantage over most athletes. His programs are really helpful."

Boyce helped lead Webb to a state title last season while playing running back and defensive back.

"I feel like I'm better at running back but I feel like I would have a better chance -- in college -- to play defensive back," said Boyce, who had 578 yards on 70 carries last season as Webb shuffled several runners into its Wing-T offense. "This year I want to work at that."

As for a return to the state championship game, nothing else would suffice.

"That's definitely our goal," Boyce said. "We definitely intend to go back to state. We have high expectations this year."

Football isn't the only opportunity for Boyce to secure an athletic scholarship. With a personal best 11.0-second time in the 100-meter dash, track could be a possibility.

"I have been thinking about trying to run track in college," Boyce said. "Right now, I'm researching both track and football."

And waiting for colleges to research him.