WR Prater says 'opportunity at Tennessee is perfect'

By Josh Ward

Originally published 06:49 p.m., August 1, 2009
Updated 06:49 p.m., August 1, 2009

Kyle Prater sees an opportunity to help Tennessee in 2010.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound wide receiver from Proviso West High School in Hillside, Ill., took an unofficial visit to UT on Saturday.

Prater, who visited UT with his father, said the Vols have an opening for him to play immediately.

“The opportunity at Tennessee is perfect,” he said. “If I come in and work hard with my talent, athleticism and work ethic I’d have a chance to go in and play right away.”

Prater said he spent most of his visit with UT’s coaching staff.

Prater said he talked to UT coach Lane Kiffin about the impact Prater could make on offense.

“Their offense is fluid,” he said. “It just moves. It’s a great offense that gets receivers the ball, and the offense is a pro-style offense to get you ready for the NFL.”

Prater said the experience of UT’s staff in the NFL would increase his professional opportunities.

“That’s why you’d love to be in that type offense,” he said. “The offense will get rolling and get you ready. That’d be perfect.”

Prater is looking for the perfect environment for when he decides to leave home.

Prater said he’s already visited Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame, Iowa and Oklahoma. He said he plans to visit Southern Cal on Aug. 10.

Prater said he’s decided on two official visits this fall: USC on Sept. 5 and UT on Sept. 12.

That’s when the Vols will host UCLA at Neyland Stadium.

Prater said he plans to make his decision by the middle of his senior season so he can graduate early and enroll in college in January.

Prater said enrolling early should help him earn playing time as a freshman.

“That’s a real big advantage,” he said. “I’ll get to come in and go through spring ball and come in during the offseason workouts.

“It’s big to get to come in and work hard. You’re guaranteed nothing.”

UT already has commitments from two Illinois prospects: offensive lineman Zach Fulton from Homewood-Flossmoor High and receiver Matt Milton from Mascoutah High.

Prater said his father, Johnny Prater, often talks to Fulton’s father, Glen Fulton, about UT.

Kyle Prater said he doesn’t expect his decision to be affected by Fulton’s commitment to the Vols.