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Saying “yes” to Ohio State was one thing. Saying “no” to Tennessee was quite another.

“The hardest thing I had to do in the whole recruiting process was tell (UT) coach (Steve) Caldwell, the defensive ends coach, I wasn’t coming to Tennessee,” Keith Wells said Monday morning shortly after announcing he would sign with the Buckeyes on Wednesday. “That was the hardest thing for me. I could sense the disappointment in his voice.”

Caldwell, along with other UT’s coaches, was surely disappointed by Wells’ announcement. Along with the Vols, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound defensive end from Gainesville (Ga.) High School was also considering Notre Dame.

Wells said Caldwell’s response was impressive.

“He said I’m going to be a great player no matter where I go,” Well said. “Some coaches might have said I’m not going to develop as a player, or not succeed. He told me no matter where I go, I’ll be successful.

“He told me he’ll follow me no matter where I go to school. He was disappointed he won’t have the opportunity to coach me.”

Choosing Ohio State was partly based on its engineering program, Wells said. The Buckeyes’ recent success and an opportunity for early playing time were also factors.

“I just felt more comfortable with Ohio State than I did with any other school,” Well said.

Josh Ward contributed to this report.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.