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James waiting for offer, ready to play for Vols

By Josh Ward (Contact)
Originally published 02:22 p.m., March 10, 2008
Updated 02:22 p.m., March 10, 2008

Perry James wants to play football for Tennessee.

The junior cornerback from Davie High School in Mocksville, N.C., just needs a scholarship offer from the Vols.

The 6-foot, 180-pound James visited UT on March 1 for the Vols’ Junior Day.

James said he’s received the most interest from UT, Illinois, North Carolina State and Virginia. He’s waiting on his first scholarship offer.

If UT presents one, James said it wouldn’t take long for him to decide.

“If they offer I’m going to commit there soon,” he said. “There’d be no need to waste time deciding on any other college.”

James said the time he’s spent around the program has made him feel most comfortable with UT. His cousin, Andre James, played linebacker at UT from 1998-2001.

Perry James said talking to his cousin and UT’s coaches has helped him trust the Vols’ staff.

“They just talk to me and they know how to motivate me,” he said. “They help me in what I need to do in life to get better and to succeed.”

Right now James is working to get better in the classroom. He admitted that he didn’t take his academics seriously early in high school.

James said UT’s coaches want to see his academics improve before they offer him a scholarship.

“They don’t want somebody making C’s,” James said. “They want somebody making A’s and B’s. They said grades are important.”

Grades are important to James now, too. He said he’s rededicated himself this year.

“Everything’s going good,” he said. “I’ll keep it up and hopefully everything will work out.”

James, who attended UT’s wins over Georgia and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium last season, hopes it works out with the Vols.

He said UT has an atmosphere he wants to be a part of.

“It’s all orange,” he said. “The atmosphere up there is great. I just love it.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       63 Comments

Posted by bigorangedude on March 10, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We seem to be laying the groundwork for a great recruiting year next year, this is great news!

Posted by justisiscumin on March 10, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have another cup of orange kool aid!

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just wait til the nattering nabobs of negativism get hold of this.

Posted by bigorangedude on March 10, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Though this is great news, I would love to see some early commits from some defensive linemen and a big time QB

Posted by RockyTop1 on March 10, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We need qualifiers as well as believers! We have to get them in school or it means NOTHING!! I hope the kid gets his grades in order but what has he done up to this point? Just a question..... GO VOLS!!

Posted by bigorangedude on March 10, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rivals says he likes Tennessee and Illinois, and looks like he is leaning our way. Tennessee is on its way to becoming defensive back U instead of wide receiver U

Posted by GoVol on March 10, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make the grades James. Results are stronger than promises. Let's see you EARN the scholarship!

Posted by 1volgal on March 10, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

where does rivals and scouts have him?

Posted by bigorangedude on March 10, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im not sure about his rankings, I just happened to read the article from rivals, but besides being a great corner he is also a superstar on special teams (which is needed on UT's team) Im glad to see he really likes the Vols, but I guess we shouldnt get our hopes up too early, a lot can happen in a year

Posted by GerryOP on March 10, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the idea of withholding the scholly offer until the grades are improved. The kid has a full year to get those grades up. Good thinking!

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 10, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you gotta love the "I really want it" attitude vs so many recent "you owe me" commits. If his talent is in line with his perspective then I say offer him today.

Posted by TommyJack on March 10, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Gerry...Can't be too cautious these days.

Posted by bigorangedude on March 10, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If this kid was a 5 star athlete, I doubt the coaches would be as worried about his grades

Posted by General_Fritter on March 10, 2008 at 3:35 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Fred08 on March 10, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like a good kid. Take care of your grades young man, the rest will follow.

Posted by jdcvols on March 10, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He plays for our local high school and is a good athlete. Davie High played against Vreen's high school and held Vreen to less than 100 yards in 2006....only team to do so. This kid is really a true corner but his league does not pass often. Comes from a good family though.

Posted by auttat on March 10, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please explain your comment at 3:35 touchdown...i mean...general_fritter

Posted by Pullingguard on March 10, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don,t act with haste, we need only the best for the next couple of years... Maybe this is one of the best, if so, sign him, but if best would be lot of high profile schools breathing on his neck. Coach's know best.

Posted by Pullingguard on March 10, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don,t act with haste, we need only the best for the next couple of years... Maybe this is one of the best, if so, sign him, but if best would be lot of high profile schools breathing on his neck. Coach's know best.

Posted by 55Vol on March 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It could be we are recruiting more corners because as the league in general moves toward the spread, good, larger DB's will be needed to cover space and larger WR's. Still need quality DLinemen to put pressure on the QB. Hope this kid gets his grades up no matter where he goes. Go Vols!

Posted by KingsportVol on March 10, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by General_Fritter on March 10, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If this kid was a 5 star athlete, Fulmer would have already pooped his britches.

CLASSIC STUFF!!!

auttat I think what he meant was that Fulmer would be so suprised that a 5 star would be that excited to sign with us so quickly that he would drop a chocolate bananna in his underpants.
Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by mgraham65 on March 10, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yummm... Well, so much for that chocolate, peanut and banana protein shake I was about to make.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on March 10, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

has pryor comitted to anyone yet?????

Posted by sjt18 on March 10, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols, Any more specifics on him? Does he run track?

for those interested, Rivals hasn't scored anyone but their top 100 or maybe 250. He will likely be rated a 3* if for no other reason than he doesn't get many chances to show his cover skills.

If he goes camping this summer and posts some good measurables then he could move up that way too.

Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Genl Fritter for the insight. Do I detect a slight hint of getting back in form?

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prior was involved in a big fight Saturday night and still has not signed. in fact, the article i read was that he was thinking abut forgetting football and going to memphis for basketball only.

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And now there's a much more serious story: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pryor was one of many players involved in a fight after a Pennsylvania high school basketball playoff game yesterday between his Jeannette High School and North Catholic High School.

Posted by KingsportVol on March 10, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jim sounds like he would fit in very well at memphis.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on March 10, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

he could do like abrams-ward and come to UT and play b-ball and football or like our new QB with baseball and football, and by the way when is the baseball draft and who thinks casey kelly is staying at UT?

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol--yes, memphis is where Capones old gang wound up.

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol--yes, memphis is where Capones old gang wound up.

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a fool that looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not sure I'd want him at UT, cowboy. I haven't been at all impressed with his attitude/actions since his name first came across these boards. Personally, I'd rather he go to some other organization and infect them with his "it's all about me" attitude. Just my opinion, though..... others may feel differently.

Posted by Colliervol on March 10, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll believe Pryor goes to Memphis when I see it. If he does, it'll be because the other schools pulled off of him. But, if he ends up in Memphis, that would be a good fit. They're going to need somebody to take Dorsey's place at the Plush Club next year. I'll bet he can "make it rain" too. Lord knows you can't have too many guys with that kind of experience.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Referring to Pryor in the 6:48 p.m. post above.....

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07, 6:42 p.m. -

Deja vu all over again?

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uh, yes sir, it is.

Posted by madisonvillevol on March 10, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6 foot 180 pounders can't play in the defensive line. it all starts up front--offense and defense. dang, how many db's out of 85 scholarships do we have 45 to 50? where's the beef?

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 10, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

memphis, home of the peanut butter and chocolate banana sandwich...

Posted by jimr07 on March 10, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange--Texas was having some bad storms down here today and my connection is screwed up. that is why my comment was posted twice.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on March 10, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if half of the guys sign with UT next year that are talking UT right now yep eeee ki aaaa back in the saddle again

Posted by TommyJack on March 10, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure miss ole TDTN and his little flawed friend.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07 -

Hope everything is o.k. in your area with the storms. We've been through a lot of that here in TN recently, including some damaging tornados in the area. Keep under cover until the storms pass on by!

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, son, you gonna go far.

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange.

Since we been followin' your lead, we ain't got nothing but trouble.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I gotten this close to being strung up...

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I detect, like me, you're endowed with the gift of gab.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You'll have to excuse my rusticated friends, here, unaccustomed as they are to city manners.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 10, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols are going to have the deepest secondary in the country with 37 DB's on the roster as they switch from the 4-3 to a 2-9 "buzzard" defense. Either that or the defensive line will average 185 lbs in the ever-increasing need for speed.

Posted by rockyknox on March 10, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Recruits will be complaining that they wanted to come to UT to play DB but once they got there coaches made them throw, catch and carry the rock.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid, last month I thought the Vols would be running a modified version of the 4-3 defense next year. It would be called the 0-7; 0 defensive linemen and 7 linebackers.

However, I think your 2-9 buzzard defense is more likely at this point.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It may also be referred to as the quarter package, using 5 EXTRA defensive backs.

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The old tactician has got a plan. For the transportation that is, I don't know how I'm gonna keep my coiffure in order.

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great stuff IPOrange! Gotta' roll! Thunder out!

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You work for the railroad, grandpa?

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Later, dude! Keep an eye out for them SIreens.

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - Moms Mabely said as a kid she was told to watch out for them lights crossing the street at night. H##l, she said, it wern't them lights, it was them Buicks behind them that was dangerous.

That seems to be our philosphy on "D" this year. Start 9 DBs and 2 DEs. Every article is about offense. Short memories, I guess. They must want to aspire to that last position. Wasn't satisfied with 11th in the conference.

Hope Texas didn't get blowed away. Drove thru devasted area finally in neighboring Macon Co recently. We are miniscule afore the Hand of the Creator. Twisted telephone poles everywhere. 50 foot oaks tossed 200 ft. You know your place in the pecking order. Selah.

Posted by wtnvol on March 13, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This kid must be good...he's got the sports staff at KNS behind him. Now all he needs is for the coaches to listen to what the sportswriters say and make him an offer.

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