Tennessee is close to doubling its Cottam allotment.

Germantown, Tenn., standout tight end Jeff Cottam is close to a decision. Cottam said Sunday he could announce his college destination today. All signs point to UT, where his brother, Brad, is a redshirt freshman tight end.

Many around Jeff's recruitment thought he would commit to UT earlier in the recruiting process, such as late summer or early fall.

Instead, Cottam has expressed concern over competing with his brother for playing time.

Jeff spent much of his official visit on Nov. 27 meeting with UT coaches and discussing their interest in running a two-tight end system if the Cottams' play warrants it.

Brad and Jeff will have three or four years to play together depending on whether or not Jeff redshirts his freshman season.

UT's main competition for Jeff is Ole Miss. The Rebels took a hit when David Cutcliffe was dismissed as head coach. The younger Cottam also visited Alabama, but never seemed seriously interested in the Tide.

When compared to his brother, Jeff (6-foot-7, 250 pounds) is thought of as a more physical player. Brad, 6-8, 260 pounds, is a more polished route runner. Jeff Cottam is the sixth-highest rated prospect in Tennessee, according to the News Sentinel.

More Memphis: Cottam isn't the only Memphis-area prospect impressed by the Vols. Memphis East star Dan Williams said UT leads for his services.

Williams is a 6-3, 290-pound defensive line prospect. The News Sentinel rated him as the eighth-best prospect. Williams has visited Memphis and Mississippi State.

Williams' teammate, Malcolm Rawls, is a 6-4, 300-pound lineman. Rawls also is considering UT. He is the 10th-highest rated prospect in the state, according to the News Sentinel.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting and may be reached at 865-342-6327.