Dave Hooker

The News Sentinel's top prospect in the state has the numbers to back it up.

Kyler Kerbyson is willing to make an unpopular decision if need be. The offensive lineman from Catholic High School is preparing friends and family for the possibility that he might not play football at Tennessee.

Harry Hiestand found himself in a unique position this past off-season. He actually had a second chance to spend more time with his children - a rarity for a football coach.

Competition wasn't Justin Worley's concern. Worley didn't even blink when he committed to Tennessee on Friday, despite freshman quarterbacks Tyler Bray and Nash Nance already on the roster.

Tennessee has received a commitment from one of the top prospects in the southeast.

Derek King is determined to pick a school, not just a football program.

So just who is the News Sentinel's top prospect in Tennessee? I'll never tell. The answer will be revealed as part of our ongoing countdown. Stay tuned. Here are the candidates, in alphabetical order.

Tennessee's newest football signee is a linebacker and California state champion in the discus and shot put.

Tennessee has signed the top punter in the nation in the 2010 class.

Brendan Downs was sure he'd play football at Duke - until Tennessee came calling.

Matt Darr from Frontier High School in Bakersfield, Calif., took an official visit to UT this week and is scheduled to depart Knoxville on Wednesday.

Chris Walker sent the Internet world atwitter when he announced he had surgery on Tuesday.

Todd Campbell's departure allowed him some leeway when asked to offer insight into Tennessee's recent run of football coaches.

Lucas Patrick never really considered ending his recruitment early - until he absolutely knew it was time to do so.

Ryan Mack doesn’t mince words.

Cody Robinson is willing to wait on Tennessee.

Tennessee's football complex either has gotten or will get a visit from at least three regional prospects this weekend.

Peyton Manning doesn’t want to coach the Tennessee football players he is working out with this week. Nope, Manning’s goal when he’s on Tennessee’s campus is to feel like the young Vol he once was.

A disappointing end to what was painfully close to being a perfect season hasn't changed Peyton Manning's approach to the off-season.

Be it the economy, team performance or high-def television, ticket sales aren't what they once were for home games in Neyland Stadium.

Former Tennessee defensive tackle Darwin Walker is contemplating a return to the NFL after sitting out last season.

Now that conference realignment talk has slowed down (for now), let's look back at how some of the shifts could have affected Tennessee football recruiting.

Lane Kiffin stood at the microphone last week and addressed the hard-hitting NCAA sanctions levied against his football program.

Rajion Neal likes it when his team has to lean on him.

Tennessee picked up its third football commitment when Tom Smith gave the Vols his verbal pledge.

Mike Hamilton didn't have to wait on Texas' decision.

The Vols are entertaining Cameron Clear from Memphis Central High School and offensive lineman Ethan Hutson from Destrehan (La.) High in addition to the five prospects previously reported by the News Sentinel.

Tennessee Athletic director Mike Hamilton said today that Tennessee’s football season ticket sales are down by about 1,000 from this time last year.

Tennessee isn’t waiting until football season to welcome visitors on campus.

A look at recent Tennessee Football Scholarship Offers

Some of you probably winced when you first heard Derek Dooley's recruiting plan.

Andrew Power is hoping the fourth time is the charm.

This week's four Tennessee football prospects are all in the trenches. A recent offer, a 2012 standout and some prospects still under evaluation make up this beefy list.

Add another Tennessee rival to the list of schools after Kyler Kerbyson.

Nash Nance and his family were just collateral damage.

Looking for a 2010 signee who will contribute this fall? Try Mychal Rivera.

Tennessee's 2010 football class had a significant head start. Eight mid-term enrollees are impossible to dismiss. Now, it's time for the next wave.

So just how bad is Tennessee football? Any predictions for the 2010 season? Six wins? Five? Four? Everyone is searching for the right answer.

It usually takes more than one recruiting class to turn a program into a has-been. But Tennessee's 2007 signing class could dispel that notion.

Tennessee’s may not be done with its 2010 signing class. The Vols are carrying on discussions with Dallas Hendrickson, a 6-foot-1, 295-pound center that will visit UT’s campus on Thursday.

Derek Dooley should be jealous of Bruce Pearl.

Friday's Four to WatchThis week's list represents prospects from four states: Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. All areas will be key to UT's 2011 class and beyond.

SEVIERVILLE - The talk of conference expansion hasn't gone unnoticed by Tennessee's two most prominent coaches.

Derek Dooley offered no news Thursday concerning two Tennessee football players who are expected to transfer.

Kyler Kerbyson’s offer list continues to grow.

Just business.That is the message Lane Kiffin will share with a national audience this week.

Derek Dooley isn't opposed to change. He just doesn't want too much of it. The Tennessee head football coach is well aware of the ongoing chatter in the recruiting community concerning possible adjustments to rules between coaches and prospects during ...

There's certainly some talent on this week's list. There's also a familiar high school that has often spurned Tennessee. And lastly, there's a new prospect who could soon rise up the rankings.

There was no need to look at the film. The diplomas were proof they had worked like heck.

Aaron Douglas will always remember the day the fog of depression began to break. It was March 25, when he asked for his release from his Tennessee football scholarship.