Fla. RB headed north

The Tennessee Volunteers picked up a huge verbal commitment from running back Jarvis Giles. Giles, from Tampa (Fla.) Gaither High School, committed to the Vols over South Carolina, Georgia, Clemson, and Nebraska.

"I actually committed yesterday," Giles said. "They are like one big happy family and everyone is so friendly. People walk up to you and ask how are you doing? They come up out of the blue. It's a small community and it's like a close nit family. I have family three hours away (Clarksville, Tennessee).

"This is the best fit for me. I have never seen anything like this (Knoxville). It's wonderful."

Giles is currently in Knoxville attending the Tennessee football camp. It's his first time to the University and he was absolutely blown away.

"What can I say? This place is beautiful. It's nothing like Tampa and I have known for a while that I just wanted to get out of Florida and start experiencing something new. This is it. I am going to be a Tennessee Vol and I am so excited about it."

Giles comes along at a perfect time for UT head coach Phillip Fulmer, as the Volunteers transition to a new scheme under new offensive coordinator David Clawson.

"I am going to be their home run hitter. I think I fit their scheme very well. I am explosive and can take it to the house. I can shake and bake and run with power too. I can also line up in the slot. I will bring a lot of versatility to this offense. I can't wait."

He also loves the new Tennessee running back coach, Stan Drayton.

"I have known coach Drayton for a while. When he left Florida for Tennessee that made me real happy, especially since I kind of started really liking Tennessee as a sophomore. But I think me and Coach Drayton are a lot alike. We both like to cut up and have fun but when it's time to go to work we are both all business. He really seems like a good dude with a good personality."

Giles now says that he will try and graduate early.

Giles is the most explosive back from the Sunshine State. Giles has breakaway speed and is a home run hitter. He attacks the hole hard and shows good vision and balance.

Giles is a member of the Rivals250, sitting just outside the national 100. He's the No. 2 rated all-purpose back in the nation. Last season as a junior Giles rushed for 1,478 yards and 20 touchdowns.