Coples knows UT needs defensive ends

Quinton Coples has seen how badly Tennessee needs him.

That happened when the defensive end from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., took an official visit to UT this weekend.

Coples said the UT coaching staff stressed that signing defensive ends is a high priority for the Vols' 2008 class.

"Being able to get out there and play early," Coples recalled from the staff's sales pitch. "They need defensive ends."

The 6-foot-7, 235-pound Coples said UT's need at defensive end should give him an opportunity to play early. He said that will play a role in his decision.

"It's a good factor," he said. "They stressed it real hard."

Coples was hosted by freshman defensive end Chris Walker. Coples said Walker and his teammates told Coples he could help the Vols' thin rotation at defensive end. The Vols lost two senior starters at defensive end, Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds, from last year's team

"They were very straight up and straight forward with me," Coples said. "They were cool like that. They were comfortable to be around."

Coples said he will choose between UT, North Carolina and Florida State. He has visited the Tar Heels and Seminoles.

Coples said he plans to announce his decision on National Signing Day on Feb. 6.

"I'll just look at the positives and negatives of the schools and then I'll analyze them," he said.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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