Gator fan not averse to checking out UT

As the spring evaluation period comes to a close, we've learned one thing: Tennessee's new offensive coaches aren't afraid of any recruiting challenge.

Having recruited countless highly rated prospects, the Vols are showing they're not afraid to face off against Florida for a Florida fan, even in Gator land.

Receiver Lamar Scruggs from Fletcher High in Jacksonville, Fla., is the latest Floridian to show up on UT's radar. And let's just say he's well versed in the University of Florida fight song.

"It's a big factor," Scruggs said of his fandom. "I grew up as a Gator. I used to bleed Orange and Blue. I just want to get to know more about the school."

It's what he's found out that has Scruggs a bit concerned about Florida. The Gators like to rely on small, speedy receivers. Scruggs, by his own description, isn't that type of player.

At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Scruggs describes himself as a possession receiver. That discrepancy doesn't eliminate Florida, Scruggs said, but it's at least a reason to look around.

"Usually they have those small receivers to run those underneath routes," Scruggs said of Florida, "but that doesn't bother me a lot."

With the door cracked open, the Vols have stepped right in, with receivers coach Latrell Scott leading the way.

"I like Tennessee a lot," said Scruggs, who has more than 25 scholarship offers. "I could fit in good with their offense. I'm definitely keeping them in mind."

UT's isn't the only one. Scruggs said he's still considering Florida State, South Carolina, LSU, Illinois, Louisville, Clemson and West Virginia. With another Florida school in the mix, the Vols have a tough task in besting the Gators and Seminoles.

Scruggs said he's visited Gainesville and Tallahassee and isn't sure if he'll make any unofficial visits this summer. That may be key for any school, including UT, which hopes to lure him away from the Sunshine State.

Scruggs said he's not afraid to leave Florida behind for the right college.

"Not me," he said. "I'm very open minded. I don't mind leaving. I just have to adapt to wherever I go to."

Clawson's Call: As expected, UT offensive coordinator Dave Clawson spent much of his recruiting time during the spring evaluation period looking at quarterbacks.

The Vols seem most focused on Josh Nunes from Upland (Calif.) High, as he was one of the first high school quarterbacks who received a scholarship offer from UT.

Clawson, as per NCAA rules, can't comment on specific prospects, but was willing to provide some insight into what he's looking for in a high school prospect.

"At the quarterback position, it starts with the intangibles," Clawson said. "You want a guy that's a good leader and a good citizen. The next thing is the ability to make every throw we ask a quarterback to make and the athleticism to protect himself."

In other words, after character Clawson is looking for a passer. Much like the previous regime under David Cutcliffe, Clawson wants an athlete but not necessarily a running quarterback.

"There's got to be some degree of athleticism," Clawson said. "They can't just be a standing target."

Clawson said he has a history of adapting to a quarterback's strengths. At Richmond, Clawson said his offense relied on everything from sprinting a quarterback out of the pocket to sprinting receivers downfield for a laser-accurate pass.

Much of UT's quarterback recruiting success will be based on which sport signee Casey Kelly decides to play. If the Sarasota (Fla.) High athlete chooses professional baseball, that will be less competition for an incoming player.

If Kelly chooses football, much of the Vols' recruiting efforts likely will be lost as prospects see hefty competition for snaps in Knoxville.

That decision won't be made until after the amateur baseball draft in early June. But clearly, the Vols are preparing for life without Kelly.

The Vols' focus now is on finding the right quarterback. UT's coaches will spend the coming weeks evaluating tape and head into June with a short list.

Few Myles To Knoxville: Safety Darren Myles is quickly becoming a top target for UT. The star from Carver High in Atlanta has plenty of offers, but also strong ties to UT.

Myles' father, also named Darren Myles, has coached UT standout tailback Jamal Lewis and cornerback Inky Johnson.

But in order to land the younger Myles, UT will have to beat Georgia and Georgia Tech, both nearby schools that have offered scholarships.

TV Time: UT is benefitting from the increased broadcast exposure of its new offense, in the form of a televised Orange and White Game.

Before that, competing recruiters often told prospects exactly what they didn't want to hear about UT's new attack. If prospects wanted a pro-style offense, the Vols were only spread option and vice versa.

Now, the Vols have proof of what they're selling. A strong September will only improve the pitch.

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