Raines still committed to Vols

By Dave Hooker

Originally published 02:31 p.m., January 22, 2008
Updated 05:32 p.m., January 22, 2008

Consider Stephaun Raines a Tennessee commitment once again.

Despite speculation to the contrary, the 6-foot, 175-pound Raines said UT’s coaches never backed off despite some unforeseen academic hurdles to overcome.

The former Dalton (Ga.) High School speedster took a unique path to UT. Raines signed with the Vols in 2006, then fell short academically.

He then spent a year at home in Dalton trying to improve his college entrance exam test score before deciding a year at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College was the best way to become academically eligible.

“I’ve just been out here getting my grades right,” Raines said Tuesday.

Mission accomplished. Raines said he has a 3.1 grade-point average and will enroll at UT in June, in time for the first session of summer school.

There was some question whether UT was still interested in Raines, especially because the Vols signed several skill-position players in 2007. Raines said UT’s coaches never seemed to lose interest.

“That says a lot about them,” Raines said. “That shows they’re committed to their players.

“Even though things might go wrong sometimes, it just lets you know they’re there for you, they’re a good coaching staff and they’ll stand behind their players 100 percent.”

Raines took his official visit to UT last weekend and met with defensive backs coach Larry Slade.

“Coach Slade just told me to work on my back pedal and my break to the ball,” Raines said.

While Raines was slated to play defensive back in 2006, receiver might be more of an option now with UT’s young secondary returning almost intact. Raines is ready for either.

“I already know the receiver position,” he said. “They’re going to give me a chance to work at both. Whichever one I fit into the fastest, that’s the one I’ll be playing.”

Raines said he’s gained at least five pounds of muscle since his high school days. But the most significant change has come in the classroom.

Raines was a surprise academic casualty when he didn’t qualify in 2006. He’s determined to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

“I’ve been trying to study a little more, make sure I’m hanging out with the right crowd, go to classes and make sure I listen to what the teachers are saying,” Raines said. “I’ve just been really honing in on my academics.”

Raines redshirted last season at Coffeyville, meaning he will have four years of eligibility at UT.

The Vols have 12 commitments for the 2008 signing class. National Signing Day is Feb. 6.