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New emphasis for Witherspoon; weekend visitors
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Marcus Witherspoon’s recruitment changed when Lloyd Carr announced in November that he was retiring as Michigan’s head coach.
Witherspoon, a linebacker from Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, N.J., has been committed to the Wolverines since June.
Witherspoon maintains he’s still committed to Michigan, but he’s also trying to develop a relationship with new head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff.
The unfamiliarity with Michigan’s staff has caused Witherspoon to rethink his college options.
“Now, I don’t know the coaches there,” he said. “I’ve got to get to know them so I was like, ‘Why not give the other coaches a chance or Tennessee a chance?’ They’re good people as well.”
UT’s chance to sway Witherspoon’s decision comes this weekend when he takes an official visit to Knoxville.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Witherspoon said he never forgot about the Vols throughout recruiting, even after he committed to Michigan.
“Tennessee was always a good choice, was always in the back of my mind,” he said. “I made an early decision, but things happened so I’ve given everybody a chance.”
Witherspoon said his relationship with defensive backs coach Larry Slade is a big reason he’s giving UT a chance.
Slade is in charge of Witherspoon’s recruitment.
“He’s a good man,” Witherspoon said. “We bonded the first time we met.”
Witherspoon admitted he doesn’t know much about UT’s defense. He said he’s familiar with freshman safety Eric Berry’s success and the job done by defensive coordinator John Chavis.
“It’s a good defense … they have great linebackers,” Witherspoon said. “I’m sure if I was to go there that they would develop me into a good one.”
Witherspoon said it will be more about the people than the place as to where he believes he can develop the best.
He said he’ll look for honesty from the coaches and players when he compares the schools.
“I’m not a person who needs too much,” said Witherspoon, who doesn’t expect to take any other visits. “Just give me somewhere to play football.”
Witherspoon said he hasn’t leaned on anyone for advice since he reopened his recruitment. He said he’s spent a lot of time mulling his options by himself.
“In the end it’s always going to be my decision,” he said. “I can get all the advice in the world, but it’s going to come down to me.”
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by FWBVol on January 11, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Roll out the Big Orange carpet for Mr. Witherspoon. Both rivals and scout have him as a 4 star prospect. It sounds like he's more interested in being around good people than anything else. That's one thing about UT, CPF and his coaching staff are good people.
Posted by 55Vol on January 11, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like this young man's attitude about taking responsibilty for his own decisions. Give the Vols a real shot Marcus, we need a few good men.
Posted by marc_ash on January 11, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmmm very interesting. ‘Why not give the other coaches a chance or Tennessee a chance?’ Interesting he names Tennessee right out. Makes you believe there would be more recruits considering the Vols if we get those Michigan coaches into Knoxville.
Might see a trend that leads a lot of other commits to look at the Vols. Should be an interesting couple of months.
Posted by sjt18 on January 11, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perfect! UT's staff very often gets props for being up front, honest, etc.
This kid and the DT from Ga would really give the class a boost.
Posted by orangebloodgmc on January 11, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is certainly some potential in that list of visitors, and I am encouraged that there are a couple of solid already-commits in that list of visitors that could help sway some of the other guys. We'll see.
Posted by why36knot on January 11, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again the UT football coaches are remambered by recruits for their personlities as much as their coaching records. Once again we have a chance at what sounds like a young man who is mature and stable.
The way the Football staff connects with high school recruits has always impressed me. Coach Fulmer has always been very successful in his sseach for top talant and I think this is a perfect example of why.
Whether he comes here to play ball or not....we gota second look and a chance.
Posted by VOLnATL on January 11, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we will be happy to have you MW!
Posted by ssukonic on January 11, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who's the DT from GA you're talking about sjt18? Man, it sure is nice to have all this excitement instead of those absolute downer posts from some supposed UT fans. I wonder too if Loeffler is still a possibility. I think we all want to have our cake and eat it too!
Posted by ssukonic on January 11, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oops....nevermind. I didn't see the "visitors list" over to the right side of the article.......Brandon Thompson from GA.
Posted by waterskier3 on January 11, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
looks like a lot of good recruits coming but committed to other schools so hopefully they can change a couple of their minds...... the ones for lsu and ohio state forget it...... had too good of a year to change their minds to come to the vols but all the other maybe :):) hopefully a lot of parties are going on this weekend :):)
Posted by knoxsingle on January 11, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to the young men visiting Knoxville this weekend! There's no place like the University of Tennessee.
Posted by Vols1998 on January 11, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy is a monster, there are openings to be had in Chief's defense. Just got to come out and work hard to "take" that starting position and work with your teammates.
Vols do not run from competition, we look for it!
Posted by khelton657 on January 11, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on in Mr Witherspoon...we could use another Big Al Wilson...
Posted by dburgVol on January 11, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anybody know what class Gerald Williams will be in? I know he went to Fork Union Military , and then to JUCO, but how many years will he have left? 2 or 3?
Posted by Pullingguard on January 11, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Defintely sounds like a young man who is mature and makes his own decisions.. Think he would be happy at UT and Chavis does a good job of developing Linebackers... Make the good impression this week-end and hopefully he becomes a Vol.. Would love to have you down south with the Vols Mr. Witherspoon..
Posted by Vols1998 on January 11, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Love seeing guys like this play, it's like having a Mack Truck in your line up. They make recivers and TEs think twice before coming across the middle......BAM!! What the...
Go Vols!
Posted by pdhuff on January 11, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man, could we use a linebacker set on "kill".
Hope this visit goes perfect. Get him, Drayton/Chavis etc.
Posted by ssukonic on January 11, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been to a few other universities and seen facilities but I remember even as a freshman, when I saw the sports facilities at UT, I was sold. I was in awe. I remember absolutely loving the place. Then with the sound of the family atmosphere and how personable our coaches are, it's no wonder we do so well in recruiting. It sure would be fun to be a fly on the wall and see what happens this weekend when these young guys come into K-town. Good luck guys.......
Posted by drwfocus on January 12, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know with the guys we already have commited, and the ones coming in like Williams, Warren, Morley et.al., just the addition of 3 to 4 quality D-linemen and 3 to 4 quality O-linemen could make this a very special class.
Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spoon, if you liked Michigan because of Carr, you'll love the Vols. Phil and Lloyd are of the same cloth. One just decided to go to the house earlier than the other. C'mon down.
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