New emphasis for Witherspoon; weekend visitors

By Josh Ward

Originally published 02:15 p.m., January 11, 2008
Updated 02:15 p.m., January 11, 2008

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.”