Carson Anderson

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It just wouldn't have seemed right had Carson Anderson played college football anywhere but Tennessee.

Think about it. His father and uncle played for UT, making him a lifelong fan. The youngest Anderson followed suit when he committed to play for the Vols.

"It's a relief," the 6-foot-3, 270pound offensive lineman from Florence (Ala.) High School said Thursday. "It's a weight off my shoulders. Now, I'm just ready to get bigger, faster and stronger and play for Tennessee."

Anderson did his best to be patient and make a prudent decision when UT offered a scholarship last month. He sought counsel from his family and told UT coach Phillip Fulmer.

"I was really tempted (to commit earlier) but my dad was overseas with business," Anderson said. "I knew that's where I wanted to go but I wanted to talk to my family and make sure that was the place for me."

Anderson's father, Terry, who played at UT 1976-78, said the entire Anderson clan was celebrating.

"I tell you what," Terry Anderson said, "I couldn't be any more excited. Our whole family, it's just a real exciting moment for us. His mother and I, we just wanted him to be happy. The great thing was, he picked Orange."

Terry Anderson isn’t the only Anderson to play football for UT. His brother, Charlie, played defensive end 1974-76. Charlie Anderson lives in Knoxville and is the CEO of Anderson Media, a media distribution company.

"I think this is a unique situation where Carson is going away to school but to have him close is a real treat," Charlie Anderson said. "He’ll have a local support system here."

Florence coach Joe Hollis said he expects his star pupil to play guard or center in college. To this point, Anderson has played wherever needed, mostly tackle.

"He's an outstanding football player with an extraordinary focus and work ethic," Hollis said. "He comes from great stock. It's natural that Carson would follow in their footsteps.

"I think Carson's going to be a tremendous offensive lineman. I think his work ethic is going to make him an outstanding football player for Tennessee."

Anderson was also being recruited by Alabama and Auburn. UT was the lone school that offered him a scholarship.

No matter. Chances are there's not another offer that could have made a difference.

"I've always been diehard Tennessee," Anderson said.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.