Florida WR talks about his decision
Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland athlete Antonio Bell has given a verbal commitment to a Southeastern Conference program. The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder pulled the trigger today.
"I committed to Tennessee," Bell said. "I was talking to the coaches and then I talked to my parents and prayed over it and so I decided to do it."
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There were several things that stood out to Bell, who also considered West Virginia, Nebraska, South Carolina and Florida International, about the Vols program.
"It basically came down to the style of offense that they play," Bell said. "They get their wide receivers the ball. I also liked all of the coaches. Also, the fans. There is nothing like looking up in the stands and seeing 100,000 people supporting you."
Bell's recruiter-of-record for the Vols was Matt Luke. He had nice things to say about the Tennessee assistant.
"He's a great upfront coach," Bell said. "He's a real cool guy who is a nice person, but he is going to teach you something when he coaches you."
Bell has never been to Knoxville, but he plans to head up for an unofficial visit June 16-17.
Bell said his commitment to UT is firm, but he left the door open for a potential visit to another program.
"Most likely, I will only visit Tennessee officially," he said. "But if I do take another visit, it will most likely be to West Virginia. That would be the only other school I would visit."
Tennessee is taking Bell as a wide receiver. He also can play safety.
Bell is the seventh verbal commitment for the Class of 2008 for the Vols and the first from the state of Florida. It is the first verbal commitment in this year's class for Luke, who is generally regarded as one of the better young recruiters in the Southeastern Conference.