Christian Brothers' Easterwood likes Vols

Courtney Easterwood knows who to call if he has a question about recruiting.

Easterwood, an offensive-defensive lineman from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, has one scholarship offer — from Tennessee.

UT sophomore defensive end Chris Walker could play an integral role in the Vols’ recruitment of Easterwood.

Walker and Easterwood played together at Christian Brothers, and Easterwood said they’ve remained close since.

“I look at Chris like an older brother,” the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Easterwood said. “Any time I have a question about recruiting, I always text him or call him and ask him what to do.”

Walker also tells Easterwood which school he should choose.

“He always tells me Tennessee is the place to go and place to be,” Easterwood said. “Even if I don’t go to Tennessee he’ll still be OK.”

That hasn’t stopped Walker from making his recruiting pitch. Easterwood said Walker talks as much about life off the field as on it at UT.

“He always tells me it’s a big family atmosphere at Tennessee,” Easterwood said. “They focus on football, but they also focus on what you have going on in life as well. That’s important to me, too.”

More schools are likely to come after Easterwood.

He said he’s received strong interest from Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia. He has already visited Florida State and still plans to take trips to Alabama, LSU and UT again this spring.

Easterwood said he expects to receive more scholarship offers once he makes visits and participates in camps this summer.

“I’m not worried about that,” he said. “I’m focused on getting ready for next season.”

Easterwood is also focused on keeping an open mind as he sorts through his list of schools.

He has grown up a Florida State fan while also watching football in the SEC.

“When you start hearing from a lot of schools and people saying they’re interested, all that stuff goes out the window,” he said. “The SEC is a special conference. Growing up around here in Memphis I’ve dreamed about going to play in the SEC and play for a program that has a great tradition.”

Easterwood has seen UT’s tradition first hand. He attended the Vols’ 35-18 win over California in UT’s 2006 season opener.

Easterwood said he left Knoxville with a favorable impression of Neyland Stadium.

“It’s so loud in there that you can’t even hear yourself talk or somebody else talking right beside you,” he said. “I just love the tradition when they come out in the ‘T.’ I just get goosebumps all over my arm.”

Easterwood said he’s still unsure whether he will play offense or defense in college.

UT’s coaches have told him he could play on either side of the ball. Easterwood said he’s open to offense or defense.

“Anywhere I can come in and help the team and be best suited for, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.