Daniel Hood has never been prone to rush into a decision.

With his college choice looming, the defensive end from Knoxville Catholic High School isn’t going to start now.

The 6-foot-6, 255-pound Hood has scholarship offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Louisville. He’s also received interest from Ole Miss and Colorado.

Hood, who’s grown up a UT fan, could have easily committed to the Vols as soon as they offered last month.

Hood decided instead to weigh his options to find the school that fits him best.

“I want to check out every school I can,” he said. “That way if I find a school better than UT I can go there and know I’ll be happy. I want to make sure I’m 100 percent positive that I find the school that is the right school.”

Right now Hood says UT is his leader because he knows more about the Vols than any other school.

Hood said he’s seen plenty of talented players from his position play for the Vols.

“Historically UT has put out great defensive linemen,” he said. “The list goes on and on.

“They have great offensive linemen, so you’re competing against them every day in practice. You get better at defensive end because you’re going against better talent.”

Hood credited UT’s coaches for the Vols’ success.

He pointed to the long tenure of head coach Phillip Fulmer and his defensive staff members as a main reason.

“Coach Fulmer has been there 16 years so you’re pretty confident in the head coach they have,” Hood said. “You can be assured he’s going to be around a lot longer.”

Hood said he’s heard from many UT fans — family and friends included — who hope he will choose the Vols.

One UT fan who hasn’t pressured Hood is his father.

Hood said his father wants his son to make his own decision.

“It means a lot to me,” Hood said. “It shows he respects me. Even though I’m not a natural adult and shouldn’t be classified as one he’s letting me make my own decision.”

Hood has already seen that kind of support from his father during his high school career.

Before Hood’s sophomore year, he moved from his father’s house in Kingsport to his uncle’s house in Knoxville in order to attend Catholic.

“Selfishly he wants me in Kingsport with him going to Dobyns-Bennett (High School),” Hood said, “but he knows what’s best for me is at Catholic. He’s been able to support me emotionally and financially.”

Hood has already visited UT this spring and plans to attend the Vols’ Orange and White game on Saturday.

He said he will soon decide which schools to visit this summer.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.