Friday, January 1, 1904
KNOXVILLE - Tennessee hopes there are more additions to its 2012 class today than in the days leading up to national signing day.
The Volunteers have lost two committed linebackers in recent days, but there are four players left on the board who could bring good news with signing-day announcements. The Vols also hope to hold onto Dallas-area safety LaDarrell McNeil.
UT coach Derek Dooley will hold his signing day news conference at 4:30 p.m.
Here are the four prospects who are either uncommitted or committed elsewhere who bear watching.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com or 901-581-7288. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/patrickbrowntfp.
Who: Four-star defensive tackle
Where: Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Va.
Announcement time: 8 a.m.
Other finalists: Virginia Tech and Alabama
Why he could pick Tennessee: New Vols defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri was Kirven's primary recruiter when he was at Alabama, and the two have a good relationship.
Why he would go elsewhere: The home-state Hokies have two former Brookville players on their current roster and also got Kirven's final official visit. The Crimson Tide are always factors.
Who: Four-star cornerback
Where: South Miami High School in Florida
Announcement time: 9:30 a.m.
Other finalist: Marshall (currently committed)
Why he could pick Tennessee: The Vols got an official visit from him late in the process.
Why he would go elsewhere: Leggett was a one-time Miami commitment, but the Hurricanes and other big-time schools that were recruiting Rivals' ninth-rated cornerback backed off because of academic concerns.
Who: Junior college receiver
Where: Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College
Announcement time: 11:30 a.m.
Other finalists: Georgia, Ole Miss, LSU and Auburn
Why he could pick Tennessee: Vols quarterback-turned-receivers coach Darin Hinshaw has been recruiting Patterson the longest.
Why he would go elsewhere: The nation's top-rated juco player according to 247Sports has been quiet since taking the last of his five official visits. UT's depth chart, with Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers entrenched at the top, might be less favorable than the one at Georgia or Ole Miss. Patterson's choice is anyone's guess.
Who: Four-star receiver
Where: Gaffney (S.C.) High School
Announcement time: Noon
Other finalists: North Carolina and Wake Forest
Why he could pick Tennessee: Davis officially visited UT last weekend.
Why he would go elsewhere: The Parade All-American has a long-standing relationship with Wake's Demon Deacons, and new coach Larry Fedora has kept the Tar Heels in the race.