Nothing little about Cottam
It's hard to imagine being the baby of the family, but that is exactly what 6-foot-7, 255-pound Germantown, Tenn., tight end Jeff Cottam is. His 6-foot-8, 250 pound brother Brad signed with the University of Tennessee in the class of 2003, but now Jeff is making a name for himself.
"Tennessee offered me shortly after signing day," said Cottam. "I got my second scholarship offer the other day from Alabama. I'm hearing from pretty much everybody else in the ACC and the SEC, but those are the only two offers so far."
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Primarily as a blocking tight end Cottam helped Germantown to the Class 5A state championship last season. He caught 14 passes for 160 yards and four touchdowns from his tight-end spot.
"I don't really have any favorite schools right now or anything,” he said. “I'm looking at Tennessee, Memphis, Alabama, Notre Dame, Arkansas and Ole Miss for sure. The only schools that I know much about are Tennessee and Memphis so I need to check out some of the others."
One might think with his older brother currently on the roster at Tennessee it could have an impact on his decision. Perhaps, but maybe not the one many expect.
"I have to look at it like I would look at anyone else,” he said. “He plays the same position as me and he red-shirted this year. He is supposed to get a lot of playing time this year so his being there could keep me on the bench for two years so in a way it hurts Tennessee.
“On the other hand it would be cool to play with him again, so it could go either way. I will try not to let it effect my decision too much. I just want to check out a bunch of places and see what place is best for me."
Cottam stated that he grew up with split loyalties, pulling for Memphis and Tennessee as a youngster. He went on to say that he planned to take unofficial visits to Tennessee and Ole Miss over the summer.
"I'm going to be looking for playing time, that is my number one thing right now,” he said. “I also want to play for a good position coach, a guy that could help me get better so that I can do well in the NFL too. I also want to play for a good program, no one wants to lose for four years."