UT gaining on Teague

Tennessee and Alabama have made up serious ground in recruiting Marsalis Teague and may have even passed Florida, a source close to his recruitment told the News Sentinel.

Teague committed to Florida in December. UT, however, hasn’t given up on the 5-foot-10, 175-pound safety, who is projected to play cornerback but could also play receiver.

There are a number of reasons the highly touted prospect from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., is giving the Vols and Tide a closer look by visiting both schools this month. The first is proximity, the source said.

Knoxville, where Teague visited last weekend, is 300 miles from Paris. Tuscaloosa is 290 miles away. Gainesville is 700 miles away.

Playing closer to home would make it easier for Teague’s family to see him play, a growing concern, the source said.

Teague is also more comfortable with UT’s coaching staff and appreciates the plan the Vols have to get him early playing time.

The News Sentinel ranks Teague, who is declining media requests for interviews, as the fourth best prospect in the state.