State's Top 10 prospects: (No. 3) Stone weighs choices

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Stone

While the other elite football prospects in the state have been quick to announce their collegiate destinations, James Stone is taking his time.

Of the News Sentinel's top five prospects in Tennessee, Stone is the only player not committed. Moreover, the offensive lineman from Maplewood High School in Nashville seems open to most any possibility and is still considering at least six schools.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Stone attended two football camps, at UT and at Alabama, this summer. But don't get any ideas.

Stone quickly dismisses the notion that his summer travel destinations are a hint as to where he's heading.

"Nah, those are just the two camps I went to," said Stone, who also visited Notre Dame in the off-season.

UT has made Stone a high priority for good reason.

Securing offensive linemen for the 2010 signing class is one of UT's primary goals. The Vols likely will start four senior offensive linemen this season.

Securing offensive linemen for the 2010 signing class is one of UT's primary goals. The Vols likely will start four senior offensive linemen this season.

When one of the nation's top offensive linemen resides in the mid-state area, it's prudent to make him feel wanted. The Vols have done that.

"It's been good," Stone said of the attention he's received from UT. "To know somebody thinks that highly of you."

Fandom, however, won't help the Vols land Stone, who said he didn't root for any school growing up, including the Vols.

It's worth noting that three highly respected academic schools show up on Stone's list of noteworthy suitors: Vanderbilt, Stanford and Notre Dame.

If academics end up being a primary factor in Stone's decision, the other "football" schools on his list - UT, Alabama and Auburn - will have to prove their scholastic wares.

Stone said academics will be a part of the decision-making process. Just how much remains to be seen.

"I'll weigh it quite a bit because I really want to have something really good to fall back on," Stone said.

Stone said he'll wait until after his senior season before he announces a decision. Here are his thoughts on the schools that have pushed to the forefront:

-- UT: "I like that they are focused on intensity and passion for the game. They seem like they're always trying to get better and take the team to another level."

-- Alabama: "I like them. I really like them. I like the whole team. I like how they do things and how they've got it set up. I like the staff."

-- Vanderbilt: "Vanderbilt is a good team. I like (offensive line) Coach (Robbie) Caldwell and the head coach, Bobby Johnson, as well."

-- Stanford: "They've got a nice football program and a nice coach. Their academics are prestigious."

-- Auburn: "They're focused on family and core values. That always makes for a good team."

-- Notre Dame: "I went up there for a visit. I just liked it up there."

Expect this recruiting saga to last awhile.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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