Three offensive linemen to visit Vols this weekend

By Dave Hooker

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Tennessee will host three official visitors this weekend. All are offensive linemen.

John Cullen is a 6-foot-6, 280-pounder from Fullerton (Calif.) Community College. Cullen is also considering Utah, Arizona State and Kansas State. Cullen could provide immediate help for the Vols, who will lose six of their top offensive linemen this year.

Chaz Green is a 6-6, 290-pounder from Tampa (Fla.) Catholic High. He has reportedly said Florida is his leader.

Jawuan James was a one-time Alabama commitment who pulled that pledge last month. That opens the door for UT, as well as Georgia, LSU and UCLA. The 6-6, 295-pounder is from North Gwinnett High in Suwanee, Ga.

Homeward Bound: Safety Matt Elam from Dwyer High in West Palm Beach High School is planning on holding true to his Florida commitment.

“I talked to my coach a little,” Elam told The Palm Beach Post, referring to Gators coach Urban Meyer. “We talked about the safety situation and our relationship.

“I committed for a reason. I’m not going to back down. It’s all Florida.”

The Post reported that Elam is now signing every text message, “#22 UF BOUND.” Elam was considering UT and took an official visit to Knoxville last weekend. He was also considering West Virginia.

Newbies: Georgia coach Mark Richt has certainly noticed the impact that first-year coaches have had in the SEC.

“Tennessee, Auburn, even when coach (Houston) Nutt went to Ole Miss last year, when those guys come in new they definitely create a buzz,” Richt told the Athens Banner-Herald.

UT hired Lane Kiffin and Auburn hired Gene Chizik following the 2008 season.

The Vols and Tigers rank seventh and 24th in recruiting for the 2010 class, respectively, according to Scout.com. Georgia is ranked sixth.

That’s Rank: Athlon released its first top 100 prospects in the nation. Several UT prospects were on the list, including the following commitments: receiver Markeith Ambles (42), defensive end Brandon Willis (47), receiver DeMarco Cobbs (48), defensive end Jacques Smith (58) and defensive end Corey Miller (72).