NC Lineman favors Vols

Under Phillip Fulmer Tennessee has typically had great success recruiting in North Carolina. Last year the Heels and Pack were able to keep most prospects in-state, but this year should bring more success for the Vols.

"Tennessee is probably my favorite right now," said Ben Weisensel of Salisbury (N.C.) East Rowan. "I'm not sure how important that is right now, since I have been to more events and camps there than anywhere else.

"I'm sure I'll be equally interested in others once I get more chances to spend time at their campuses. But right now Tennessee tops my list.

"I just like the whole fan base at Tennessee, and they help to create a really great community. The coaches and everyone in the athletic department are really committed to being successful on the field. They're very serious about winning, and that's a good thing."

Weisensel is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive tackle that could play along the offensive line as well. He runs the 40-yard dash in 5.0 seconds and was one of the top players in his region of North Carolina as a junior. What other schools is he considering?

"I'm looking at Georgia, NC State, UNC, Harvard and Alabama as well," he said. "Georgia has a great campus and weight training facilities. The coaches were great and I like their philosophies concerning the game and life.

"I haven't seen the campus at NC State yet, although I'm visiting unofficially soon. I can't really speak too much of what I haven't seen. I can tell you that what they offer academically is impressive.

"UNC has just started recruiting me, and I'm also going there unofficially very soon.I know a couple of people there, and one is a football player that received a good amount of playing time in his freshman season. I'm looking forward to talking to him about the program as well as meeting the coaching staff.

"I haven't been to Alabama yet, but there sanctions will be over by the time I get there and I think they have a good program with a solid foundation. I look forward to visiting.

"I haven't been to Harvard yet, and they're different than the other schools. Just the idea of going somewhere as prestigious or honored as Harvard is flattering and amazing."

Weisensel feels he's best suited to play defensive tackle at the next level, but asserts that he could play anywhere along the offensive or defensive lines should a coach need him to. He has heard from just about every Division 1-A school, and has spoken with every one of his favorites.

"I will start my summer camps at Georgia, then go to Tennessee, NC State and UNC in that order. In July I will go to Harvard and Florida State. I plan on taking an unofficial visit to Alabama. I visited Clemson, Tennessee and Wake Forest last year."