Citra, Fla., offensive lineman Blake Vinson is becoming more and more familiar with Tennessee as time goes on.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound tackle from North Marion High School has visited Tennessee several times in the past few months and was able to see Tennessee play Western Carolina this past weekend.
"It was a bunch of fun. We got there a little late because we started the drive up that morning because I had a game the night before," Vinson said. "We didn't worry about tours because we had done that a couple of times so we just went straight to the 'Vol Walk.' Then, we went down on the field when they were just getting on the field.
Talk about it in The General's Quarters
"Then, I got to talk to coach (Robert) Gillespie and then we went to eat and coach (Don) Mahoney and coach (Tommy) Zagorski came and hung out with us while we were eating. Then, we went into the locker room and talked to coach (Butch) Jones for about 25 minutes before the game started."
Vinson said he enjoyed his pre-game conversation with Jones because of the laid-back feel it had to it.
"We weren't really talking about anything in particular, we were just in there and hanging out and talking," Vinson said. "He was just talking about Tennessee and about his kids and how he was as a coach. He wasn't really trying to get me to commit or anything, we were just hanging out."
Of course, this wasn't the first Tennessee game for Vinson. He had been to Neyland Stadium several times before to see family friend Daniel Lincoln play years earlier.
But, it was his first game experience as a recruit. Vinson has now visited the Vols three times since the summer and likes what he's seen.
"Tennessee is one of my top schools, even thought I haven't come out with a complete list or anything. But, they are up there," Vinson said. "It was important for me to go up there and see a game. I wanted to go to a bigger game but since this was the only night game on the schedule early this year I just wanted to get up there and see a game and see the coaches."
Tennessee coaches are expected to repay the visit this Friday night when at least one member of the Vols' coaching staff is expected in attendance at North Marion's game against Gainesville High School.
