Its hard for any program to head into the state of Alabama these days and pluck a top prospect away from the Crimson Tide and Auburn.
But, Tennessee is trying to do that in its pursuit of Madison, Ala., defensive end LaBryan Ray.
The North Alabama prospect said he wanted to see the Vols again after checking out Rocky Top for a junior day in March. He got the chance to do that at last weekend's Orange Carpet Day.
I wanted to see the coaches again and talk to them, Ray said. I wanted to see the campus again and honestly, Im just really interested.
Tennessee only helped themselves with Ray during his most recent time on campus.
It was good. I got to talk to all the coaches and have a lot of fun, Ray said. Just to see the coaches relaxed, it was a good time. It was a good time.
Ray said a big reason hes interested in the Vols is because of Tennessees defensive line coach, Steve Striplng.
First off, the coaches. Coach Stripling and those guys, Ray said. Then, I wanted to see the campus because its one of the best looking ones. That doesnt hurt, either.
This is a place Im really interested in and one of the places Im really thinking about coming to.
Ray has a number of offers from around the country but Alabama is considered one of the teams recruiting him the hardest. He recently visited Ole Miss and Auburn as well. Mississippi State and Florida could also receive visits this summer.
Ray added that the Vols arent too far away, just a little over three hours from his home, and he likes that about Tennessee as well.
"Its a good enough distance that if I were to come here I could come back home and my parents could come see me play, Ray said.
While Ray wasnt one of the eight prospects the Vols landed commitments from on Orange Carpet Day, he did say he could see why they chose the Vols after visiting Tennessee once again.
It was surprising. But, I can kind of see why, Ray said, And they believed in their heart for them this was it. I guess they are building a great class.
