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HomeFootball Recruiting

Low-down on Texan: He likes UT

Think Stavion Low is serious about Tennessee? Just check his summer schedule.

The offensive lineman from Brownwood (Texas) High has only one visit planned this summer despite 19 scholarship offers. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Low will be in Knoxville for UT's football camp in mid-June.

"When I got that offer it was exciting," Low said of UT's official invitation. "I haven't known too much about the school. I just liked that school for the heck of it.

"When I got that offer, little vibes went off. As I got to talk to some of the coaches and did some homework on them, I just grew to like them that much more."

Low said he plans to take some official visits this fall, but it seems UT has the inside track.

"It's a good school," Low said. "I like them. I think that would be a good fit for me."

Low would be an unusual prospect in most any state but talent-rich Texas. With four offensive linemen committed to both Texas and Texas A&M, those schools have stopped recruiting Low.

The smaller Texas schools, like Texas Tech, Texas Christian and Baylor, don't think they have a chance to land him once they face off against the other suitors. Therefore, Low is a national prospect even if there's not much interest in him in-state.

Florida was the most recent to offer a scholarship. Arkansas, Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Miami also are on board.

"I kind of wondered a little bit (about Texas and Texas A&M backing off) but at the same time business is business," Low said. "I wondered about it but I wasn't pouting about it. It's kind of crazy."

Low isn't complaining about a lack of interest. So far, he's seen a college recruiter every day during Brownwood's spring practice.

"We've never had a kid that's been recruited like this," coach Keith Wolfe said.

Wolfe has had five offensive linemen sign Division I scholarships in the past seven years. Still, Low is different.

"He's the most athletic offensive lineman we've had in the last seven years," Wolfe said. "What the college guys really like about him is his mobility. He can get out and run."

Brownwood also has other prospects that are drawing nationwide interest, although one, safety Kenny Vaccaro, is thought to be firmly committed to Texas.

Quarterback Casey Pachall is committed to TCU but is thought to be considering other options, which include Notre Dame, Nebraska and Arizona. UT is evaluating Pachall.

Low said he's mostly considering SEC schools, Big 12 schools and Miami, although in no definite order.

That long list of candidates could depend on that June visit to Knoxville.

Asked if UT fans should see the trip as a positive sign for the Vols, Low said, "Yes sir, it is, definitely."

Class Watch: UT is working to sign a top-notch quarterback for the 2009 class and is willing to go to parts afar to do so.

Josh Nunes from Upland (Calif.) High and Allan Bridgeford from Mission Viejo (Calif.) High are two prospects that UT has shown interest in. Bridgeford would seem to be off UT's board after committing to Cal on May 8, although National Signing Day in February still is a long way away.

Nunes has scholarship offers from several West Coast schools. Nebraska and Oklahoma also are pursuing the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder.

Expect more quarterbacks to crop up on UT's board following the conclusion of the spring evaluation period this month.

The Vols have plenty to sell a quarterback prospect. This season, UT will have a junior starter in Jonathan Crompton that will be yielding the position in 2010. The Vols have two quarterbacks on their roster, sophomore Nick Stephens and redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman, with no game experience.

Both have shown flashes, but probably wouldn't be considered overwhelming threats to a top-notch prospects' playing time.

That means a quarterback with enough talent could redshirt in 2009, learn UT's system and compete for a starting position in 2010 with four years of eligibility remaining.

It will be interesting to see what kind of quarterback UT offensive coordinator Dave Clawson recruits. Athleticism could prove more important to the first-year assistant than his predecessors, although pocket passing surely will be a part of the equation.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       61 Comments

Posted by 3r1c on May 17, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SOUNDS LIKE LOW KNOWS WHO THE REAL UT IS! I THINK CLAWSON WILL FIND THE NEXT TEBOW.

Posted by volroadwarrior on May 17, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How long will it take before the Negative Nellies criticize "Foolmer" because this kid is on the OL and not the DL-------or he is just a reject from Texas and Texas A&M------or whatever!!!!!!!

Posted by utwick on May 17, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stavion, come to the "original" U.T. Go VOLS!

Posted by miamiVOL on May 17, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

very solid 4 star prospect who very well could be invited to Amry All-American bowl, lets lock him up and a top flight QB as well!!

Posted by Phowell23 on May 17, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's get him and Moses and maybe one more OL, several DT's, a QB, a talented RB or two, and a few talented linebackers and this is going to be a great class.

Posted by IPOrange on May 17, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looking good! You're gonna love playing for the Vols when Clawson gets this new offense up and running.

Posted by DennisVols on May 17, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the new coaching staff has a lot of recuriting talent in them. I remember all to gloom about Taylor leaving for OSU and how we would suffer recruiting wise.
This is shaping up to be one of the best classes we've had in several years.
GO Vols!!!!!

Posted by thesavageorange on May 17, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only 3 of the 8 commited to TX & TX A&M are rated higher than Lowe.We are in excellent shape w/ several O-lineman.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 17, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just liked that school for the heck of it.
He already speaks Fulmer.This one is in the bag.Welcome to Big Orange Country Cowboy.

Posted by pdhuff on May 17, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Saw that headline, thought article was about ol' TJ.

Don't guess he weighs 300 and stands 6' 5", but can't never tell. We'll always have o-linemen as long as Phil's around.

TT said when Chavis has the twins, he'll get us some d-linemen.

Waiting.....

Posted by TommyJack on May 17, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: 6'5 ain't gonna happen. 300# is within reach.
lol

Posted by budd on May 17, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The kid just learned that playing for
Coach February aint all its cracked up to be. And a & m has basically dropped off the map. Only reason Texas kids go there is its in state. Sounds like a guy we want

Posted by TurboFan on May 17, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great if we can rebuild a pipeline to Texas, seeing as how we seem to be shut out of all the other southern states.

What is it about California and QBs? Do they grow on trees out there? I thought that was just naked hippy dudes.

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

106 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!!

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just what we need, another West Coast QB for all the inbred hillbillies to run out of town.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volroadwarrior I've heard the nagativenellie comment from you several times. After reading all of these blogs, your's is the only one with any kind of negativaty. We need this one, along with the quarterbacks. I'm still not sold on Coleman or Stephens. GOVOLS!!!!

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, what's up with the inbred hillbillies comment? Maybe you know some inbred hillbillies, but I don't. Any west coast QB that gets ran outta town does it to himself. I don't remember running anyone outta town if they get the job done.

Posted by vol4good on May 18, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Lowe--Please dont let the fact that the Staff at GoVols xtra can't spell your name, keep you from coming to visit The finest Univ in the Nation. GO VOLS!

Posted by givehim6 on May 18, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like the 2009 class will end up being the class that the Vol fans have been wanting for a few years now. When the issue about QB was brought up they said we had 3 QB'S, what about the guy that was sighed in Jan. I can not remember his name but he was 50/50 on playing football or baseball, or he was going to be a pro baseball player if he got a hi enough draft pick?

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stat wise Casey Clausen is the second best QB to come through Tennesse. He was treated as if he was an illegal by the time he graduated. DaddyVol, did you like Casey or is he one that falls under your rule of "Any west coast QB that gets ran outta town does it to himself"? If Casey would have lost to Memphris, the hillbillies would have been waiting outside the locker room with pitch forks and torches.

Posted by TommyJack on May 18, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley: You a west coaster?

Posted by TommyJack on May 18, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

budd: 10:46: Maybe they're a little down now, but I assure you, Texas A&M is not irrelevant in Texas.

Posted by pdhuff on May 18, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lived on the left coast once, is truly the land of fruit and nuts.

Never will forget the difference between the people (loosely, this was the 60s) of the Bay Area and those of the Ukiah region. Light years apart. Liked Russian River, a lot.

Don't care where the QBs come from , long as they're capable of reaching the upper deck.

On a third and 4........

Posted by murrayvol on May 18, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40: There's a lot of just about everything in California including qbs.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, I liked Casey Clausen as a QB. One time I joined a group of my buddies down on the strip to drink beers. My friend goes to the bathroom and at the time Clausen walked by and knew one of my friends. So he sets down for a second as my other friend comes back. My friend procedes to ask him to move over, Clausen looked dead at him and said "I AIN'T SIGNING ANY AUTOGRAPHS" with a piss poor attitude. One heck of a way to talk to my friend who at the time was 10 years older than Clausen and a VERY succesful individual, a TENNESSEE BOY. What put the icing on the cake was when he told Clausen that he just wanted autographs of those going pro. Then ends up his pro career was a laugher. Love west coast QB's but can't stand Casey Clausen!!!

Posted by TommyJack on May 18, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just an opinion based on observation only, but it looked like the team never really took to Casey. Now the second Clausen (less talent) did seem to have a set. JMO

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His video on rivals.com shows him playing both left and right tackle, gotta get this one!! This Josh Nunes looks to be the real deal on his video, but I think clawson likes fast QB's.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 18, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DaddyVol, Nunes can't fly ,but isn't a statue either.He runs in the 4.8 area.The most impressive thing about Nunes is his gpa.....4.6!I think that's what Clawson likes the most.Clawson is a big academic himself graduating from Williams college.For those that don't know that's not a place for the average student.

Posted by murrayvol on May 18, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding Mr. Low(e). He looks good on paper and according to DaddyVol on video as well. Over the years our success w/Texas recruits has been sporadic at best.

If we get him, I hope he's good enough to make both Longhorns & Aggies weep.

Posted by hmhawk on May 18, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD-just read in a book where one of the characters referred to Cal as The Granola State-land of fruits,nuts and flakes.pretty much surmises my experience of the place.I'd give it back to Mexico in a heart beat.

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Daddyvol: What?

TommyJack: Born on the Cumberland River.

Posted by Michael1204 on May 18, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we need a dual threat QB. Think how successful we've been with some dual threat QBs. Heath Shuler, Condredge Holloway, Tee Martin, etc.

And plus I think we need a player who can excite the fans with his athleticism.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The savage orange, I agree on the 4.6gpa. Very impressive.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 18, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"What is it about California and QBs?"

WD40, my answer to that question is Bill Walsh and LaVell Edwards. It can be argued that both guys pretty much made offensive football what it is today and both were out West. Think of the coaching tree that Walsh produced while he was coaching at Stanford and San Francisco. Impossible to say how many CA high school QB's and coaches attended camps by Walsh over the years. Then you factor in all the guys who coached under Walsh and went on to have their own camps. To a lesser extent, the same theory can be applied for Edwards.

Posted by IPOrange on May 18, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Michael1204, that's why I'm excited about Crompton this fall. When a QB can tuck it and run when the passing lanes are shut down, that gives defensive coordinators nightmares. Just ask Chavis.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 18, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points DaddyVol, many of these bastions of positivity are the first ones to throw insults at their fellow posters.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm really excited about Crompton too. He has major playmakers around him as well. We do need atleast 1 stud QB outta this recruiting class. Either one of these 3 they speak of in this article would please me, they all look good.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 18, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't understand why someone from cumberland river keeps calling others rednecks and hillbillies. Go figure.

Posted by TommyJack on May 18, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DaddyVol: A cogent point indeed.

Posted by philfan on May 18, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the way that Fulmer and his coaches are getting a large number of recruits to visit Tennessee. Of course, we will not get all of the players who come to visit, but it is heartening that so many players are taking the time and money to travel to Knoxville. As in business, the more contacts these salesman (coaches) make, the greater the likelihood that a significant portion will indeed sign with the Vols.

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Daddyvol, you don't seem to be playing with a full deck.

Posted by TommyJack on May 18, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley: His deck seems stacked to me.

Posted by Ashley on May 18, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet his elevator does't go all the way to the top.

Posted by ncvol on May 18, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Being from NC (born and raised in TN) I am a Compton fan, also.Go Vols!

Posted by pdhuff on May 18, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, if you wuz born on the Cumberland, you are ok, budee. I can see one of the Cumberland Creeks (Wartrace) from the front porch.

Some call it a lake, but me and my QD14 10 hp Johnson know better. She still flows to the sea, eventually, thru Nawleans.

How many days?

Free TDTN!

Posted by DaddyVol on May 19, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, we got off on the wrong foot obviously. I don't have time to keep going back and forth with you, therefore we must squash it. My only point is the fact that I grew up in a city with 2.5 million people(cleveland,ohio). You grew up on Cumberland River and call me a redneck or hillbillie. Nothing against anyone from that area, just didn't under stand your logic. You actually have good insight from a football standpoint, therefore WE should try and forget this whole little spat. My apologies!!!!!! Go vols.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 19, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll say it again, Ashley you are cool with me along with you to pdhuff. Nothing against anyone from your area,it is a great place. But all I know is that you will never here me apologies to any of these florida, bama, or memfuss losers who get lost and end up on OUR website. It's anamosity to the end with those FOOOOOOOLS!!!! Don't know if I spelled anamosity correct or not but you catch my drift.

Posted by pdhuff on May 19, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man named Stavion must be a baller.

Real heavy doldrums here now. B Ball and Softball Vols gone. Spring has sprung here on the creek. 40 shades of green and I get to paint a bird bath. 50 yr-old concrete monster with a 50 lb angel on top. She'll be getting her 87th coat of back-room discounted white latex, $8.00 a gallon. $18.00 brush, though, that's the secret- good brush.

Like good coaching......

Posted by Ashley on May 19, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

105 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!!

Posted by Brama on May 19, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need those texas linemen, have we not had our feel of those California QB!

Posted by txsvol on May 19, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a legendary coach from Brownwood, Gordon Wood, who won 82% of the time there from 1960-1985, with several regional and state championships to show for it. He retired there 20+ years ago, and died five years ago. But to show how highly regarded Coach Wood was, Bear Bryant once was asked why he was leaving TAMU for Alabama, and he replied, "As long as Coach Wood is in Texas, I can never be the best football coach in the state." Maybe we can get Vaccaro, too! Those guys are tough, playing football on Friday night, and rounding up rattlesnakes on fall Saturdays. I once treated six with antivenom when covering for someone there two decades ago. Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by DaddyVol on May 19, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stavion Lowe can play both sides, which automatically makes him a perfect fit for vols. Really slender for 294lb, and really quick. Would look really good at 6'6" 325", plus he gets to the next level very well, so could be a big gaurd also!! The guy we HAVE to get is Marlon Brown outta Memphis. He's very high on vols according to his rivals video, but we have to close the deal. Remember when Berry commited and everyone else followed? This guy is a player and could impact this class in the same fashion!!

Posted by TurboFan on May 19, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm, PD, which to do, watch paint dry or make random thought posts on GVX? Quite a quandry.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Multi-task like I do WD40, worked half a day then posted. Mowed the yard, then posted. Cleaned the basement, then posted.

Posted by pdhuff on May 19, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40-Some paint takes longer to dry than others and is interesting if you have 2 fingers of Makers Mark -the only good thing out of Ky-helping you watch.

Ikid is right, think of it as a tennis match in sloooow motion, played in molasses. Like to see Phil leap the net, though.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 19, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdown before he was knocked up he was last seen leaving Waffle House at 3:AM with Travis Henry wearing a big orange sun dress and a pair of flip flops.

Posted by hoskinsfive on May 19, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All we need is another freakin west coast QB who wont take a hit. Southern boys are always better at QB. They're used to playing hardball.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on May 20, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know what would be better than seeing Fulmer jump over a ping-pong net? It would be funny to see what you guys would actually say to the man, in person, if you ever had reason to be in his presence. I dare say the verbiage would be less bold.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TOMMYJACK: What would be even better is seeing you get your own screen name, I would dare say.

Posted by pdhuff on May 21, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A lot of women think ol' Travis H is a nice guy.

Don't think he'd make a AD for women's athletics. though.

Posted by spam247buster on May 21, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff-- he's probably made a fair number of women athletes. Let's start recruiting the Cheese Jr's!

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