Toney Williams told by Kiffin he'll be a tailback

Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin told Toney Williams what he was hoping to hear.

Williams, a 6-foot-1, 229-pound running back from Milton High School in Alpharetta, Ga., was visited by Kiffin and wide receivers coach Latrell Scott on Thursday.

Williams entered the meeting hoping to hear he’ll have a chance to play tailback, not fullback, at UT.

“He said I’m playing tailback,” Williams said. “That’s what I’m coming in for.

“That means a lot. That’s basically the main factor in my decision if I’m going to Tennessee or not.”

Williams still isn’t 100 percent sure if he’ll go to UT.

“I’d say 95 (percent),” he said.

That’s because Williams still has an official visit to Kentucky on Friday.

Williams said he’ll know for sure if he wants to stick with his commitment to UT after he visits Kentucky.

“I already know about (Kentucky) and I talk to them a lot,” Williams said, “so I already know what they want to do with me. I’m just going to have a good time and see if I enjoy it.”

Williams said he believes he would enjoy playing for Kiffin at UT.

Williams said he’s impressed with Kiffin’s honesty and demanding attitude.

“He doesn’t care how many stars you had or who started last year,” Williams said. “He’s going to play the best people to win.”

Kiffin also plays running backs with different styles.

Williams said Kiffin talked about his time at Southern Cal and the way he used LenDale White, who relies on a power running style.

“That just gives a back like me hope,” said Williams, who plans to enroll in college in January. “That’s all I can ask for is hope and a little chance and he’s giving it to me.

“I want to earn my way on the field. I know with Coach Kiffin I’ll have to earn my way.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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