OG Myers learning at Hargrave

Darius Myers out of Cordova, Tenn. is straightening his eligibility this year by attending Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive guard has had to adjust to a new way of life at the school.

"I like it, but it's tough. I like coach Prunty because he's real and one of the best coaches I've been around. He's a good man and everything is under control and organized here," he said. "That mile walk to practice and the sun are the real hard parts here. When I first got up here, it was super hard, but the adjustment has been good because I'm used to going to sleep at 6AM, but now I'm getting up then.

"I really like the military aspect too because I've got a lot of family that is in that. It's allowed me to see what they have to go through with all the saluting and marching."

The three-star lineman is impressed by the Hargrave Tigers team the coaches have assembled this year.

"It's a great team with great athletes and we're all gelling together and I know it's going to be a good year," he said. "The defensive linemen have helped me to know what I'm going to go through in college. I've learned already to make steps quicker, plant and just some differences from high school to college. I really like working against Callahan Bright because he's so aggressive. He likes to punch you in the head and I've got to get used to that."

What does the No. 45 guard in the country in 2005 hope to accomplish at Hargrave?

"I'm just looking to get fit for Tennessee next year," he said. "I've got to get in shape and in the weight room. I've only played two years of football and this gives me an extra year to get up there and perhaps get into the first or second string."

Of course, the lineman is still committed to the Volunteers.

"I'm still committed there," he said. "I really like the fan base, coaches and the fact that a lot of my friends went there. It's the in-state team and as a little boy that's where I always wanted to play. That was my dream team."