The appeal was simple. Kenny O'Neal saw a passing offense in need of receivers.

That was enough for the 6-foot, 195-pound receiver from City College of San Francisco (Calif.). He informed Tennessee's football coaches of his decision to commit to be a Vol late Thursday evening.

"Tradition and playing time," the junior college standout said Friday when asked why UT was the right fit. "I want to contribute early."

UT's passing offense and immediate opportunity for playing time have helped UT herd in the receivers for the 2007 class.

The Vols have seven prospects committed who could at least get a look at wideout. At least four are expected to stay at the position.

The Vols have plenty of production to replace before next season. Two of UT's top three receivers, Bret Smith and Jayson Swain, are seniors. UT's leading receiver, Robert Meachem, is a junior considering an early departure for the NFL.

"They pass the ball a lot," O'Neal said of UT's offense, which is ranked 13th in passing in the NCAA. "They spread it out more than in the past. They do a good job passing it."

O'Neal had 48 catches for 707 yards this past season for the Rams.

Even though he will travel through two time zones to get here, he'll have plenty of support when he enrolls next year.

"I've got family in Nashville," he said. "I'll be pretty close to them. They're recruiting my brother, too. That's another plus."

O'Neal's younger brother, Kyler, is a 5-10, 190-pound receiver from McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif. He has received several scholarship offers from a handful of Big 12 schools. UT is evaluating him.

Kenny O'Neal was recruited by UT offensive line coach Greg Adkins.

Close Call: Graig Cooper is nearing a decision. The running back from Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., who committed to Miami last February, told GoVolsXtra.com that he's decided to look at other schools after Hurricanes coach Larry Coker was fired last week.

That should put UT in the mix for the 5-11, 190-pounder who played his high school football at Memphis Melrose. Cooper said he also is considering Oklahoma State and Florida. He said he has interest in LSU but hasn't spoken to the Tigers' coaching staff.

Whatever the decision, it will be made soon. Cooper plans to enroll in college in January and said he wants to make his decision by Dec. 20.

Cooper said he's eager to see who replaces Coker and admitted he's concerned by the Vols' depth at running back. Arian Foster will be a junior next season, and LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty are finishing their redshirt freshman seasons.

"I'm looking at Tennessee hard but Tennessee's got a lot of backs," Cooper said. "I look at that, too."

Cooper said he will take an official visit to UT on Friday.

© 2006, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.