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Tennessee's 2009 football signing class started with a bang on Sunday when Je'Ron Stokes became the Vols' first verbal commitment.

"Man, it's a weight off my shoulders," the 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver from Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pa. said. "I'm very excited."

Stokes isn't just any prospect. He's widely considered one of the top 100 recruits in the nation.

Last season, he had 26 catches for 670 yards, 465 yards rushing and seven total touchdowns.

Stokes' final four consisted of UT, Oklahoma, Illinois and Penn State. That was before he visited Knoxville late last week.

"It wasn't a rushed decision," said Stokes, who has 24 scholarship offers. "But I didn't think I was going to make a decision anytime soon."

Stokes first came to UT two years ago when his pastor, Harry Jones, brought him to Knoxville to visit Jones' son, former UT receiver/defensive back Mark Jones. The trip made an impression.

"I loved it," Stokes said. "I was a little smaller and lot younger. Everything seemed so big, but the idea of making it to that level, playing on that stage, that was my motivation."

Stokes was initially recruited by defensive backs coach Larry Slade. Then, receivers coach Latrell Scott made a strong impression.

"He really kind of sealed the deal," Stokes said of Scott, the first-year UT assistant coach. "His personality, his style, his fairness, I have an opportunity to come in and play. That's all I asked for."

Considering a pastor brought Stokes to Knoxville, it's no surprise that faith helped him make the decision.

"Coach (Phillip) Fulmer is a great man, very spiritual," Stokes said. "That's good because that's how I am."

Stokes is Tennessee's first public commitment of the 2009 class, a distinction he said was important.

"It means a lot," Stokes said. "Tennessee is a great program. It's a powerhouse. I wanted to be the first one. With my status, I think I can help bring other players in."

Although National Signing Day isn't until February, Stokes maintains he's firmly committed to be a Vol, and won't take any official visits to other schools.

"I wanted to seal the deal and play for a great university and play for great fans and win a championship while I'm there. That's the goal," Stokes said.

"Tennessee is home. I don't need to look around."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.