East Tennessee players still undecided

By Jesse Smithey

Originally published 12:42 a.m., January 12, 2008
Updated 12:42 a.m., January 12, 2008

College football's recruiting bonanza has resumed post-bowl season, and East Tennessee high school players haven't been immune to its ripples.

Not much has changed with Maryville tight end and University of Tennessee commitment Aaron Douglas, Oak Ridge offensive lineman and Middle Tennessee State commitment Alex Stuart and Alcoa quarterback and Kentucky commitment Randall Cobb.

But a host of others are being courted. Signing day is Feb. 6. Here's a rundown of recent developments:

The Air Force Academy offered a spot on its football team to West linebacker Will Coley.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder said Wednesday that he's leaning toward accepting it, but he may take an official visit to Chattanooga. Coley was the Region 3-4A linebacker of the year and made 143 tackles this past season. He also had 13 sacks and an interception.

Vanderbilt has joined the throng of schools interested in Farragut running back Andre Sterling, who at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds amassed more than 2,700 yards this past season.

William Blount standout defensive lineman T.J. Walker, who had 22 sacks during his senior season and was named the Region 2-5A defensive lineman of the year, said Wednesday he planned to take an official visit to Virginia Tech soon.

Bearden defensive back C.J. Gunn (12 pass breakups, eight interceptions in 2007) said Wednesday he might catch on at Tennessee State.

CAK senior linebacker/fullback Joseph Bennett, who has been offered by Ohio University, said he will take an official visit to Middle Tennessee State next week. Bennett (6-1, 200) had 53 receptions for 658 yards and eight TDs this past season. He also made 151 tackles and seven sacks.

n West head coach Scott Cummings said that quarterback Jake Ryan (6-1, 180) has scheduled official visits to Chattanooga and Austin Peay. He added that Tennessee-Martin may soon be on Ryan's travel list, but Ryan has yet to schedule a visit. Ryan completed 60 percent of his passes this past season for 2,430 yards and 21 touchdowns.

One to watch for next year at this time could be William Blount's 6-1, 220-pound linebacker Cole Lail.

He participated last Friday in the U.S. Army National Combine in San Antonio. The combine for 500 of the nation's top juniors coincided with the Army All-American Game for seniors. Lail was tested in the 40-yard dash, a 20-yard shuttle run, his vertical jump and 185-pound bench-press repetitions.