Bryant says NFL ties a big plus for Vols

Christian Bryant has a new source of information about Tennessee football.

Bryant, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback, is a former teammate of UT freshman cornerback Mike Edwards at Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bryant said he's received positive reviews about UT since Edwards began practicing with the Vols on Aug. 3.

"He said the coaches want everybody to just feel wanted," Bryant said. "I just thought, 'Man, wow, that's great.' Just that the coaches are treating you like professional athletes so you can get ready for the (NFL)."

The NFL experience of UT's coaching staff is standing out to Bryant.

He said that gives him confidence that UT's staff would help him reach his full potential.

"They know what it takes to go to the next level, which would be the NFL," Bryant said. "Their experience is good and that's what I'm really looking at because I know they have produced some NFL players."

Bryant is still waiting to see how UT produces on the field this fall.

Bryant said he plans to call Edwards regularly during the season to see what it's like playing for the Vols.

"I know I can trust Mike," Bryant said. "Him being a Glenville player I'm real close to, I'm going to take what he says into consideration."

Bryant said he's also considering Ohio State, Michigan State, Illinois, North Carolina and Virginia.

Ohio State is a strong draw because of the Buckeyes' in-state popularity.

That's why Bryant was proud to receive an offer from Ohio State during the spring.

"That's good just because I'm from Ohio and I've been looking at Ohio State since I was in high school," he said.

Bryant has seen his high school send plenty of players to Ohio State.

Glenville has produced a number of Buckeyes who have gone onto the NFL, including wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins), quarterback Troy Smith (Baltimore Ravens) and safety Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills).

Bryant said he's heard different people tell him which college he should attend.

Only a few of the suggestions have registered.

"If it's any regular person I just listen to it and forget about it," Bryant said. "I listen to opinions of people that I'm close to but that's about it."

Bryant isn't close to a final decision.

He said he wants to take all five official visits this fall before he chooses a school.

Bryant said he hasn't selected dates for any of his visits.

California Cut: Linebacker Josh Shirley from Kaiser High in Fontana, Calif., has narrowed his list of schools to eight.

The 6-3, 220-pound Shirley said he's considering UT, Southern Cal, UCLA, Arizona, Notre Dame, Miami and Washington.

Shirley said he will take his five official visits to out-of-state schools, although he hasn't decided when he will take those visits.

Shirley said he plans to leave all eight schools on his list before he makes a final decision, but he said he might eliminate one school.

He said UT will "most likely" receive one of his official visits.

Running In Memphis: UT is showing interest in Memphis University School running back Keith McBride.

The 6-foot, 210-pound McBride told InsideTennessee.com he's being recruited by UT defensive line coach Ed Orgeron.

UT hasn't offered a scholarship to McBride, who holds official invitations from Duke and Army.

"Tennessee is waiting to watch some of my games this fall," McBride told InsideTennessee.com. "They seem very interested; it's great they are showing interest."

McBride said he's also receiving interest from Arkansas, Southern Miss and Northwestern.

Josh Ward is a freelance contributor.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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