UT gets a commitment from OL Fulton, gives a hug to family

Offensive lineman Zach Fulton from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Homewood, Ill., committed to Tennessee. In return he received a hug — from the UT coaching staff.

The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Fulton gave the news to UT coach Lane Kiffin and his staff during a visit to Knoxville on Monday.

“They just jumped up, shook my hand and gave my whole family a hug,” Fulton said on Sports Talk on The Sports Animal. “They were very excited.”

UT’s staff was so excited about Fulton’s ability that it offered him a scholarship after evaluating him during one of Tennessee’s summer camps on June 1.

That camp experience showed Fulton what it would be like to play for UT.

Fulton said he enjoyed working with Jim Chaney and James Cregg, both of whom coach the offensive line.

“Coach Cregg and Coach Chaney are very hands on,” Fulton said. “They showed me how they would coach me if I was on the team already. I liked that a lot.”

Fulton also likes the NFL experience of Cregg and Chaney. Cregg was an assistant coach with the Oakland Raiders from 2007-08. Chaney spent time with the St. Louis Rams from 2006-08.

“That’s great,” Fulton said of their NFL experience. “I have an opportunity to go to the NFL. It’s great to have those two coaches.”

Fulton wouldn’t be the first member of his family to make it to the NFL.

His brother, Xavier Fulton, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of April’s NFL draft.

Xavier Fulton, who was an offensive lineman for Illinois, has shown Zach what it takes to succeed after high school.

“He’s just kind of somebody to look up to,” Fulton said. “He’s been through it.”

Fulton said he’s done going through the recruiting process.

He chose UT ahead of Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and said he doesn’t plan to visit any other schools.

Fulton said his focus will be on preparing for his senior season and his career at UT. He’s also motivated to prove he belongs in the SEC.

“That’s my main reason to come down to Tennessee — to play in the SEC,” Fulton said. “I think it’s the best conference in the nation.”

Fulton plans to tell the same thing to fellow 2010 prospects.

Fulton said he told UT’s coaching staff he’s willing to talk to other recruits if it will help influence them to play for the Vols.

“I think that my commitment might be a chain reaction to help some other guys commit as well,” he said.

Fulton is the 10th commitment and second offensive lineman for UT’s 2010 class.

Josh Ward is a freelance contributor.