Nelson makes pledge to UT, but it's unclear if he'll join Vols

Robert Nelson

Robert Nelson

Despite his public pledge to play football for Tennessee, it is unclear if linebacker Robert Nelson of Stone Mountain (Ga.) High School will actually be able to do so.

Nelson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday that he was committed to UT.

However, UT is still evaluating the 6-foot, 210-pounder and has yet to formally offer him a scholarship, meaning confusion reigned a day before National Signing Day on Wednesday.

“The coaches told me I am going to be a part of a new program at Tennessee, and I may have the opportunity to play in the NFL,” said Nelson.

Nelson is still thought to be a part of UT’s plans - depending on what transpires on Wednesday.

The Vols are in the hunt for three other linebackers: Tana Patrick from North Jackson High Stevenson, Ala., Greg King from Melrose High School in Memphis and Jonathan Evans from Blount High in Pritchard, Ala.

Nelson said Auburn has agreed to wait to see what happens on Signing Day with UT before asking Nelson to make a decision.

“They even told me I could commit after Signing Day, but everything seemed to work out with Tennessee,” Nelson told the newspaper.

Nelson told the News Sentinel last week that he believed he would be offered a scholarship by UT and would commit during his official visit last weekend.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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