Darris Sawtelle is a Tennessee football player over 50 years in the making.

The offensive lineman from Brother Rice High School in Birmingham, Mich., committed to UT on Saturday.

Sawtelle’s grandfather, Darris McCord, played on the offensive and defensive lines at UT from 1952-54. McCord was an All-American and team captain in 1954 before a 13-year career for the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

Darris gave UT coach Phillip Fulmer his verbal pledge with his grandfather, who had traveled from South Florida, standing by.

"That was a pretty big thing for me," Sawtelle said.

It was also a big thing for Sawtelle’s grandfather, who watched his grandson turn down Michigan, Michigan State, Arizona State, Nebraska and Southern Cal.

"I am two feet off the ground," McCord said. "This is a great day. I’m so proud he committed to Tennessee. They got a good player. He got a good school. It’s a good deal for both."

Being a former letterman, McCord had plenty of reason to steer his grandson to UT. But McCord said he didn’t try to persuade Sawtelle, except once.

"The only time I really got adamant was about Alabama," McCord said with chuckle. "Alabama really wanted him bad. I said ‘Think about that one.’

"I’ve got family in Tennessee. That ain’t going to work. That’s the only time I really used my influence.

McCord got to see first hand just how much football has changed in five decades when he watched the Orange and White Game on Saturday. McCord was 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds when he played for UT.

"They put me on the fat man’s table," McCord said. "You couldn’t weigh more than 220 and play lineman for Tennessee."

Now, UT’s entire offensive weighs over 300 pounds. Sawtelle is 6-5 and 285 pounds.

"I was sitting on the bench today and I just couldn’t believe the size of these guys," McCord said. "They’re not only big but they’re fast."

Sawtelle said he won’t take any other official visits.

"I made this call on my gut feeling," Sawtelle said. "I have a feeling that great things are going to come out of this program.

"I’ve been warned that just because I committed, other teams are still going to come after me. It’s nice to know I have a spot as a Volunteer, where I want to be."

The gut feeling likely came from growing up with a grandfather who was all Vol.

"We’ve been close since the day he was born," McCord said.

McCord has had season tickets for UT football for years. He’s always given them to family members. Next year, when his grandson is a freshman, they’re off the market.

"They won’t be for sale, no," McCord said.

Sawtelle is UT’s fourth commitment of the 2007 class, joining athlete Anthony Anderson from Austin East, receiver Tyler Maples from Maryville and receiver Todd Campbell from Franklin.

© 2006, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.