Defensive end Savage has UT even with Auburn

Jomarcus Savage knows Tennessee needs him.

That point was made immensely clear when the defensive end from J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Ala., took an official visit to UT this past weekend.

Savage’s position is a high priority for the Vols’ 2008 signing class. Robert Ayers and Wes Brown are the only players returning next season with significant experience at defensive end.

Savage said UT’s coaches told him he could help immediately.

“The defensive end spot is so thin … and their rotation is not even like it usually is,” Savage said. “They were not trying to feed me any crap but just trying to tell me how much impact I could be if I come in humble and work hard.”

Freshman defensive end Ben Martin, who served as Savage’s host, echoed his coaches’ statement about immediate playing time. Martin, Savage said, could use the help.

“He’s going to be dog tired,” Savage said.

Martin, fellow freshman Chris Walker and sophomore Andre Mathis are the only other players who have seen time at defensive end.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Savage said he’s favoring UT and Auburn while still considering South Carolina.

He plans to take an official visit to South Carolina this weekend. He visited Auburn on Jan. 11.

Savage said UT has grown on him during the recruiting process, which has helped the Vols pull even with Auburn.

Savage said he got a better feel for the UT fan base while attending the basketball Vols’ 74-69 win over Ohio State at Thompson Boling Arena on Saturday.

“It was so loud in that gym,” Savage said, “and I was like, ‘This is basketball.’ I got chills in that game. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is a pretty nice atmosphere.’

“Everyone in Tennessee bleeds orange. I can definitely tell you that.”

Savage said he had originally planned to make his choice on National Signing Day on Feb. 6, but he now hopes to make his decision next week after he visits South Carolina.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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