Tenn. Ath thinking about six

Marsalis Teague is a three-star athlete from the Volunteer State. Teague, 5-10 and 170 pounds, plays quarterback and in the secondary. He's ready for a big senior season with the year having already started.

"Yesterday was the first school day of the year," Teague said. "We started two-a-days July 21st. We scrimmage Father Ryan this Friday and our first game is August 22nd (Clarksville Northwest). I am really feeling it. I am getting pumped and feel good about our team. We have some young kids stepping up and developing. We will have a good team."

Last year Teague helped guide Paris (Tenn.) Henry County to a 12-2 record. They lost in the state semi-finals in double overtime to Maplewood by one point.

"That (loss) made us hungry even more. We just couldn't finish them off and we had our chances and couldn't deliver the knock out punch. From a team standpoint that loss has provided great motivation for us."

Another big time player for Henry County is fullback Dominique Allen. Allen, 5-11 and 235 pounds, has committed to Tennessee. The two have played together for a long time.

"We have. We have been playing together so long. We have always had a bond and we are actually cousins. He's physical and aggressive out there. Dominique also has deceptive speed. Everyone thinks he's just a bruiser, but he's smart, fast and he can lower his shoulder. Tennessee is getting a good one."

The plan this season for Teague is to once again start at quarterback and slowly work his way into the secondary as the season progresses. Once the playoffs start he will play both ways and just about everywhere in the secondary. In fact, most teams are now recruiting him as a cornerback.

Speaking of recruiting, Teague has began to narrow things down. At least now he knows of six teams that he's very interested in.

"I am really thinking about Miami, Florida, Clemson, Tennessee, and Michigan. They have all offered (Florida was the latest) and they are now my main focus on those. I hope to set up official visits to Florida (versus LSU), to Miami (versus FSU), and Clemson (versus South Carolina). I want to check out those game atmospheres and see what's it's really like. I want to catch the energy of those crowds. I also plan on visiting Tennessee.

"Another school I like that has not offered yet is Georgia."

Teague in fact camped at Georgia this summer. He also took an unofficial visit to both Clemson and Miami.

"I went to a one day camp at UGA. I had a good time, bonded with coaches, and talked with some players.

"From there I went to Clemson. I was blown away. I hung out with C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper, and Jacoby Ford. They told me why they choose Clemson. The school has a great atmosphere and the fans are great. I love those coaches too. I had a real good time. I knew when I was there that I would take an official visit this fall."

"I probably had the best time at Miami. They have a great family atmosphere with coaches, players, faculty and staff. Everyone talks about the "U" and their tradition. I talked with the school President and that was interesting and fun. We discussed academics. She was cool and talked about the tradition too."

It seems as though Clemson and Miami have a great shot at Teague. But then there is also Florida, Michigan and his favorite team growing up as a kid, Tennessee.

"Florida is a National Championship contender year in and year out. They have a rich tradition and they have the Swamp. It would be such a good thing to play there. Florida has great fans. I like what coach (Urban) Meyer has done. I love coach (Vance) Bedford and they are a young team.

"Michigan is a school with so much tradition. Michigan can easily be a National Championship contender soon. I feel like he's such a good coach (Rich Rodriguez) and he will turn it around.

"I have a real good relationship with those coaches at Tennessee. With Dominique going there it does have me thinking about them a little harder because we have played together so long. My mom enjoys that place and I grew up with Tennessee as my favorite team. It's like a family up there and people around here expect me to go there. But I have to make the decision that's best for me."