Willis decommits from Tennessee

Rivals100 defensive end Brandon Willis, the No. 41 player in the country, has decommitted from the University of Tennessee and plans to announce his new school of choice at next weekend's U.S. Army All-American game.

Willis communicated with the Tennessee staff on Friday and notified them of his change in plans.

"I called (Volunteers quarterbacks) coach (David) Reaves and told him that I de-committed," Willis first told Rivals.com Saturday afternoon. "It's nothing against Tennessee. I just feel comfortable elsewhere and have better relationships with other coaches."

The Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes standout said the Vols assistant was surprised by his decision.

"Coach Reaves was kind of shocked," the 6-foot-3, 265-pounder admitted. "He thought I was firm. He asked me if he was able to change my mind, but he can't. I last talked to (defensive line) coach (Ed) Orgeron on Christmas Eve and haven't talked to coach (Lane) Kiffin in a while.

"I'm going to pick between North Carolina and UCLA during the (Army) game and will choose one of those two hats then," the Palmetto State product shared. "I'll be enrolling a few days after I announce at the Army game."

Willis broke down what he likes about each of his finalists.

North Carolina - "I like (defensive line) coach (John) Blake and coach Butch Davis a lot. They are good coaches. I also talked to their defensive coordinator (Everett Withers) when I went there on my official visit and he's a good guy, too. They have good tradition there. My mom and my uncle both went there. I have family there and it's a good atmosphere."

UCLA - "They need defensive linemen. (Defensive line) coach (Todd) Howard is a good coach. They are trying to bring that program back. They offer a great education, plus there's a lot to do in L.A."

As a senior, Willis recorded 13 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. As a junior he had 144 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

The nation's No. 6 strongside defensive end, per Rivals.com, had 103 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and four sacks as a sophomore.