Fulmer's offer is enough for Revis

Revis

Kevin Revis came to Tennessee’s football camp hoping to pick up a few trade secrets: pad leverage, footwork, etc. He’ll leave Tennessee’s camp a Vol.

“It’s amazing,” the 6-foot-3, 265-pound offensive lineman from Rhea County High School said Thursday. “It’s a huge blessing. It was a huge surprise.”

Revis had one scholarship offer before Thursday. The lone invite came from former UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, now the first-year coach at Duke.

“I just had one from Duke and that’s it,” Revis said.

Then, Revis was called into UT coach Phillip Fulmer’s office following morning workouts Thursday.

“He said ‘We want you to be a Tennessee Volunteer,’ ” Revis said, recalling Fulmer’s invitation.

Revis was flanked by his father in Fulmer’s office. Both were ready to wear orange jerseys immediately.

“My dad was extremely happy because he raised me a Tennessee Vols fan,” Revis said.

Revis was ready to commit on the spot, but wanted to make sure he was making the right decision. A quick call to his mom and high school coach — along with a short prayer — sealed the deal. Revis was a Vol in 15 minutes.

“I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” he said. “That’s where I needed to be.”

Revis said his toughness and tenacity were aspects of his game that UT coaches said warranted a scholarship. Being an in-state prospect also helped.

“I’d say that played into their decision with me a little bit,” Revis said. “I’d definitely say I’d go a little harder against the Floridas and Alabamas.”

A 3.7 grade point average and a 28 on the ACT also helped Revis’ chances.

Revis said UT coaches told him he’ll play center in college. After signing in February, he’ll have a season to play behind UT starting center Josh McNeil in 2009.

“I’m just going to come up there and work as hard as I can,” Revis said.

Working hard won’t be an issue, especially at UT.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Revis said of committing to UT. “There’s no other school in the country I’d rather be at.”

Revis is UT’s fifth commitment for the 2009 class. He joins tailback Toney Williams of Milton High in Alpharetta, Ga., running back Dominique Allen from Henry County High in Paris, Tenn., receiver Je’Ron Stokes from Northeast High in Philadelphia, Pa., and athlete Damien Thigpen from Stonewall Jackson High in Manassas, Va.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!