Arkansas ATH leaning toward UT
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Jeremy Crabtree
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst
Augusta, Ark., isnt exactly a hot spot for college football recruits, but its become a common stopping place for coaches this year because of the play of 5-foot-10, 210-pound athlete/running back James Turner.
Turner said most teams are talking to him about being an athlete, but he said he could envision himself even playing fullback in college because of his hard-nosed playing style.
Iowa offered me most recently, and I have had a Tennessee offer ever since I went to their camp last summer, Turner said. Coach Caldwell from Tennessee came by the house last week and met with me and my parents. He told us all about the University. Iowas coming back this week some time to talk about my visit next week.
Turner said hes leaning toward Tennessee at this point.
They have a good program, but its pretty much the only school Ive been to, he said. Ive liked them ever since this summer at camp.
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Mike Farrell
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst
Rivals.com recently returned from the one of the largest college prep combines on the east coast. It was absolutely perfect football weather in the foothill mountains of Virginia as family and friends, along with more than 50 college recruiters and coaches, gathered for the Fall 2003 Hargrave Military Academy football combine.
The future SEC stars kept showing their stuff at the combine. Not to be outdone by Arkansas, Tennessee has one very impressive commitment and is in the mix for a few more.
5-foot-11, 185-pound cornerback Jonathan Hefney, committed to the Vols, used the combine to further show why he was offered a scholarship by the SEC power. Hefney, a South Carolina native overlooked last year by the Gamecocks and Tigers in state, turned in a 4.4-second time in the 40-yard dash and showcased his tight man coverage in the 7-on-7 drills. Playing bump-and-run or zone, Hefney has the skills to do it all. He can read the quarterback, break on the ball, and come up to take away the short plays in the flat.
During the combine, we also learned that Tennessee is strongly involved with 6-foot-4, 245-pound linebacker Antonio Reynolds. Reynolds, a phenomenal athlete who originally committed to Miami, will take an official visit to Tennessee this upcoming weekend (Dec. 12). He will follow that weekend with an official visit to Clemson later in December (Dec. 19). Maryland is also angling for an official visit.
After watching Reynolds work the combine, there is no wonder why so many top programs are actively seeking his services. Reynolds 4.6-second 40-yard dash time and 35-inch vertical are further testament to his athletic ability. Playing outside or inside linebacker, Antonio will make the fans whatever school he chooses very happy for several years to come.
Tennessee will also be hosting 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive end Brandon Setzer on an official visit this weekend (Dec. 12). Setzer recently returned from a visit to Virginia Tech where he found the university to be "down to earth and very appealing". NC State is also in the running for Setzer and was present at the combine to get a first-hand look at Brandon and his 5.12-second 40 time. One of the most appealing aspects about Setzer is his tremendous leg strength and drive, as evidenced by his 36-inch vertical.