Forumsby Justin Wells.
Tennessee Commits
Jacques Smith
On the Army game experience:
“It was really fun. This game has such a history. To be able to play in it, and actually experience it is really awesome. The experience has opened a lot of doors for me.”
On playing alonside future teammate Brandon Willis:
“Playing alongside Brandon – we’re going to have one of the best defensive lines in the country (at Tennessee). We’ve got myself, Brandon, not to mention J.C. Copeland (of LaGrange, GA). Our defensive line is going to be just like what you saw on the (East) squad today, because our D-Line held it down.”
On being a rare Tennessee selection for this game:
“It feels good. Not a lot of big-time athletes come out of Chattanooga. I’m just trying to do things the right way and stay humble through the process.”
Brandon Willis
About his decision to choose Tennessee:
“It was all about finding a good fit for me. The atmosphere, the players, the coaches, everything. I kind of de-committed being scared of what would happen (regarding the NCAA investigation). I just sat down, prayed about it, and talked it over with my parents.”
On being selected to play in this game:
Others:
Dillon Baxter
On being named Ken Hall player of the year:
“It was a great honor, and I want to thank everyone who nominated me for the award. I want to thank the O-Line and my receivers who got me here, my coach Willie Matson. It’s a great honor to accept this award.”
Did you expect that you would have the kind of season you did (nearly 5,000 yards of total offense, 75 touchdowns?
“I had no idea. But after my first game, I kind of broke out and went from there.”
On the Army All-American Bowl experience:
“This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Playing against these great athletes has been fun, and way more challenging than it was back at home – I can tell you that.”
Are you still committed to USC?
“I’m not de-committed, but I’m not sure how much longer I will be there, either. I’ve been committed there since my freshman year, and Pete Carroll is gone now. So, I’ll just have to see where things go.”
Are any schools coming after you hard right now (rumored to be Michigan and Tennessee – among others)?
“Yeah.”
Do any of those schools interest you?
“Yeah, there are some schools who want me to play quarterback. I just have to see where things go, talk with all the coaches, and see where I can fit in.”
Kyle Prater
“I’ve got to see what’s going on. He’s leaving, and that’s tough right there.”
“I’m not de-committed, but I’ve got to find out what’s going on. I’m not flying out there (on Monday). I’ve got to talk with my parents.”
“They got in touch with me (Friday), but I’m not talking to anyone right now until I figure out what happens (at USC).”
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