Steven Fowlkes has a bright future in football.

The question is, will it be catching touchdown passes or sacking quarterbacks?

Fowlkes plays wide receiver and defensive end at Banneker High School in College Park, Ga. He's being recruited to play both positions.

Tennessee, South Carolina and Kentucky have offered him a scholarship to play receiver, and Miami has shown strong interest.

Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Louisville, North Carolina and Purdue have formally invited Fowlkes to play defense.

Fowlkes is still learning to play on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder didn't begin his football career until last fall because he had focused on basketball.

Since he's hit the football field, Fowlkes said he favors the offensive side.

"I've always liked playing wide receiver," he said. "I know that I can come into college at the size I am now and probably if not start, get good playing time."

If playing receiver remains Fowlkes' preference, UT looks to be in good standing. Fowlkes is being recruited by receivers coach Trooper Taylor, who has made a good impression on Fowlkes.

"He's a very cool, laid-back person," Fowlkes said of Taylor. "That's the type of coach I want.

"At the same time, when we're on the field we're working hard, we're in the weight room working hard. I think that would be a good contributor to my success in college."

Fowlkes said he likes what he knows about UT's program, but he admitted his knowledge is limited.

"I know they're pretty good," he said. "I watch them on TV, but I haven't seen the facilities. I would love to go up there for a visit."

Fowlkes said UT is the only school he knows he will visit this summer. He said he plans to meet with his coach Benny Crane to compile a list of schools to visit.

Another decision Fowlkes will have to make is which position suits him best at the next level.

Crane believes Fowlkes' best long-term success will come on defense, but he wants Fowlkes to decide on his own.

"I really believe this kid is an NFL defensive end," Crane said. "I think eventually he'll figure it out.

"One thing I don't want to do is tell a kid you can't do something. I teach them to eliminate can't from their vocabulary. I believe he can, but in the end I think he'll be a great defensive end."

Fowlkes said he still needs to prove himself after playing only one football season. He said the upcoming season will be his "coming out party."

"I think the sky's the limit," Fowlkes said of his potential. "I don't think there will be any stopping me. Even when I get to college I'm still going to be getting better and better because I'm a quick learner and I like to work hard."

That work ethic is the reason Crane agrees Fowlkes' potential has no limit. That applies to either side of the ball.

"He can dominate at whatever he commits himself to," Crane said. "I wouldn't be shocked if he's successful at anything."