The visit was great. The long legacy of sending linebackers to the NFL was better.

"They put a lot of their linebackers in the NFL. I'm definitely digging that," Tennessee's newest commitment, Jerod Askew, told the News Sentinel during a phone interview on Wednesday. "That's my position and they're a linebackers' school."

Askew has the pedigree to be UT's next great linebacker.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder from Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., is widely considered one of the top 100 prospects in the nation.

Askew isn't the first Virginia prospect of that ilk to pick UT. Jerod Mayo did the same in 2004.

Mayo, who was from Hampton, Va., was selected by the New England Patriots with the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft last April.

"I saw what Jerod Mayo could do," said Askew, who had 120 tackles - 24 for loss - and 14 sacks last season. "I saw what they did for his success. It gives me a lot of pride knowing that he could do it. It puts it in my mind for me that I can do it, too."

Askew, who visited UT last weekend for the Northern Illinois game, said he was also impressed with defensive coordinator John Chavis.

"The relationship with him and his linebackers, they have a good relationship," Askew said. "He's like a father to his team."

Askew said visiting with Chavis made him feel like he was already a part of the family.

"We talked about everything," Askew said. "The depth chart, how he was going to play me when I get there, the weight room, how the linebackers work out and everything they do. How they watch film."

"He's expecting a lot from me. The relationship is just awesome. He's a real cool guy."

Askew said he was impressed with every facet of his visit to Knoxville.

"It was a great atmosphere," he said. "The fans and all the guys in the stadium were going crazy. I like the coaches, the players and definitely the scheme they run."

Before committing to UT, Askew also considered Alabama, Clemson, Maryland and West Virginia. Those considerations are complete - as are his official visits.

"It's all about Rocky Top," Askew said.

Askew is UT's 18th commitment for the 2009 signing class.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.