Vols get commitment from James

Jawuan James - Tennessee's newest football commitment

Swooping in via helicopter was nice. But having Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin in the stands was enough.

“That made me feel wanted,” offensive lineman Jawuan James said after committing to UT on Tuesday night. “That’s the first time a head coach had ever been to a game at our school.”

James, a 6-foot-7, 305-pounder, was one of the prospects targeted when Kiffin and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron chartered a helicopter to Atlanta-area schools Oct. 16.

The offensive tackle from North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Ga., picked the Vols over Georgia, UCLA and Florida. James is widely considered one of the top offensive linemen in the nation and one of the top prospects in Georgia. The Bulldogs were UT’s primary competition.

“They have a great tradition and you can’t go wrong,” James said of Georgia. “But I felt like Tennessee is the right place for me. They’re on the rise and I like what Coach Kiffin is installing there.”

James took his official visit to UT on Oct. 9. He said he was impressed with UT and the community’s optimism towards Kiffin. James also took official visits to Georgia and UCLA.

James said he committed to UT after sitting down with his mother and discussing his options Tuesday.

“We all felt like we should (commit),” he said.

Soon after, James called UT and spoke to several coaches, who were understandably excited.

“It was a good feeling,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get there in a couple of months.”

James plans to enroll in January.

“I think it will help a lot,” he said of the early start to his college career. “I’ll get there, get a head start on school, get in the weight room and get stronger.”

He also will be able to participate in spring practice and refine his game.

“My strong point is my quickness and agility and my pass pro(tection),” he said. “I have to work on my running game and also get there early and learn the steps and get in the weight room and get stronger.”

James is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to be a part of UT’s 2010 class.

James joins Zach Fulton from Homewood, Ill., Jose Jose from Miami, Fla. and Marques Pair from Sumter, S.C. The Vols also could move a committed defensive lineman to offense if necessary.

UT is in dire need of offensive linemen. The Vols start four seniors and must replace five of their top offensive linemen after the 2009 season.

James is UT’s 22nd commitment for the 2010 class.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!