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.
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Comments » 81
thevoice writes:
Love it!! May the domino falling commence.
kiffownsfla writes:
Welcome young man and thanks you will do great! GO VOLS!
dvols writes:
sweet...big uglies....thats what them pretty bow diva qb prospects want to see!!!
Ironcity writes:
Good to see. When its all said and done. We will fill our needs.
Bigger_Al writes:
Sounds great, since they checked him out first-hand and wanted him badly.
What do the recruiting zealots say about this bloke?
DennisVols writes:
Fulton, a 6-foot-5, 305-pounder from Homewood-Flosmoor High School outside of Chicago, is rated by Rivals.com as the nation’s No. 21 guard prospect.
RoadTrip writes:
More to come, Vol fans. More to come.
The door just opened wider for national recruiting. Proud to have you Zach! You made a wise decision and we are looking forward to you running through the T and opening some big holes for thunder and lightening.
the10sevol writes:
1:45 signing, 8:30 reporting. there are two dozen posters on this board who "scooped" this story. i'm surprised many want to comment here, since we pretty much covered it in the other threads.
but, hey, it's the doldrums, let's keep it going...
welcome to uT, young man.
GBO
TommyJack writes:
Reel'em
qspr91iz writes:
If we could sign three or four quality o-lineman and a 3 star quarterback we'll be fine with or without Scroggins.
GO VOLS!!!!
chad_t31 writes:
Kind of like déjà vu. I had a dream last nite that this kid committed, oh wait, it was 7 hours ago that I read other ppl posting about this commitment. Wow. Anyway, good pick up.
kiffownsfla writes:
How do you know lamaison would sit on the bench have you watched him play? and anyone that thinks scroggins will go to usc and sit the bench for 2 or 3 years is nuts.
TommyJack writes:
POOF! Just practicing.
99gator writes:
as things are shaping up, how much different does this recruiting class look compared to a typical phil fulmer recruiting class?
kiffownsfla writes:
Lmao wont be long will it tj lol. GO VOLS!
UTandETSUfan writes:
see the Crompton article or 3sib for more info on them.
kaplan#211944 writes:
Story had to be confirmed. Player wasn't interviewed until after 6 p.m. In this case we din't want to credit the only media outlet to report the commitment. We still have to follow certain standards that you might not be aware of.
4114 writes:
Still wondering about a qb..Are the VOLS going to sign one this year or what.
kiffownsfla writes:
Kap you heard any qb news yet.go vols!
CaptainCalamity writes:
Over Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota. Great get! The more Big 10-type lineman on UT's offense, the more likely it is that they'll not be able to compete with Florida.
I watched Michigan own Florida and Tim Tebow 2 years ago at the Outback Bowl. The kid will have an excellent career at the University of Tennessee. Welcome to UT.
Ironcity writes:
Great question. In recent years UT was not getting any interior offense or defensive linemen. Our D line has really suffered but both of our lines have been sub par for years. This group of coaches are really getting a lot of linemen to commit thus exciting a lot of us fans who believe you win games at the line of scrimmage.
DennisVols writes:
And of course there will be at least 2 UF commitments that will jump ship and sign with UT on signing day. Maybe more considering by them Lil Meyer will be HC at ND.
belayvol writes:
I heard they were going to allow use of avatar's. The only ones available for gators and posers will be Teebows, squashed bugs, and masked copy boys.
UTandETSUfan writes:
No offense, but when did "the only media outlet to report the commitment" (Scout) become less than credible? And why do ya'll not want to give them credit for breaking the news? I have seen articles from the Tennesseean, AP (which most papers use, understandably so), the Chattanooga paper, the CA, ect. on here.
By no means am I trying to pick a fight with GVX or anything along those lines, I just don't see the point your trying to make.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
I think a "GET LOST" button would be more appropriate. You know, for idiots like you who just, you know, take up space.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
golfballs03 writes:
GO VOLS!! I love the excitement! I think good things are headed our way!
okievol writes:
Welcome to Tennessee Zach! Enjoy the ride
Any more word on Palardy? Think we get this guy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJPqLm...
the10sevol writes:
ok, kap, didn't mean to be snippy. thanks.
GBO
jerseydevilvol writes:
i dont know man jake long was a big 10 o-lineman and we all saw what happened. not sayin this guy is a jake long, but just because no sec schools were after him doesnt mean he isnt any good.
time will tell
the10sevol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
belayvol writes:
"Offensive lineman Marques Pair, a three-star prospect from Sumter, S.C., became the Vols' 2nd commitment on Monday, joining fellow three-star lineman Zach Fulton. Story forthcoming shortly."
From John Brice on VQ.
the10sevol writes:
hey, naval, i may be dense, but i ain't no kettle!
bluetick writes:
Now THAT'S funny. :)
kiffownsfla writes:
Whats he play marc?
the10sevol writes:
methinks you are correct, sir...
UTandETSUfan writes:
five bucks says my post doesn't get a response, either that or their response is to ban me.
kabzs writes:
http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?cid...
bluetick writes:
If that is true then that is awesome! And twins can't split up can they?
Slystone writes:
This just in Bryce Brown just ran a 60 yard touchdown. Did you see the hole made by Zach Fulton? Hopefully a sign of good times too come.
kabzs writes:
6'6" 255, with a good frame to grow in to. OT, Rivals 3*. Class of 2010
TnScooby writes:
Outstanding news for the OL! As we all have discussed here before the number of stars is not always any indication of how good a player will be..as for the schools we beat out for this kid, who cares?? CLK wanted him and that's all that mattered! Sheeeeesh!! So many SCARED Gator fans on this board...Recruiting is an inexact science but getting a close-up look at a recruit in your own camp allows it to become easier to gauge how he might fit your system or needs....If CLK and staff offered him a scholarship and their reaction to his signing was so positive,they obviously don't care what anyone else thinks about him...and rightfully so...I trust their judgement and wish Fulton AND Pair a successful and happy stay in Knoxville!!!!!!!!!
Go Vols!!!!!!!!!!!
bluetick writes:
I am REALLY hoping we get Palardy. That guy is really good!
the10sevol writes:
ouch, big, you cut me to the quick! the truth really does hurt, apparently.
BSweet writes:
Phil was more of a strong finisher when it came to recruiting. He rarely was strong this early in the recruiting season. No doubt, over the years he brought some quality talent to UT, but it never seemed they were coached to their potential. That's something I hope this coaching staff has better success with doing.
bluetick writes:
5-string banjo.
bluetick writes:
Not only that but also the fact that he wouldn't allow them on the field unless they knew how to BLOCK and how to run ALL of the plays in the playbook.
TSNSD4UT writes:
Dude we need a kicker with a leg like that,the Palardy kid can boom em.
kabzs writes:
I agree, but revisit this video and look how well he moves. I could see him playing left tackle very soon. he can move his feet for pass protection
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruit...
give_him_6 writes:
Welcome big man!!!
the10sevol writes:
mess with her head, have your own image tattoo'd as a missing child - "have you seen me?".
there's probably a very good reson i'm divorced...
GBO
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