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UT gives Walls enough chills for commitment

Linebacker who grew up in Memphis drops Ole Miss for Vols

By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 12:35 p.m., January 26, 2008
Updated 05:12 p.m., January 26, 2008

Marlon Walls

Rivals.com photo

Marlon Walls

All Marlon Walls needed was a reason to pursue his dream, and Ed Orgeron’s firing from Ole Miss was just that.

“If that would have never happened,” the 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker said Saturday after committing to Tennessee. “I would have probably still been going to Ole Miss and made a huge mistake.”

It seemed UT always had a shot at Walls, even when he made the curious decision to commit to be a Rebel in November. Commitment to Ole Miss or not, Walls had often called UT his “dream school” last summer.

Still, proximity and a close relationship with Orgeron and assistant coach Hugh Freeze made Ole Miss appealing. But UT was never far from Wall’s mind.

“That’s always been my dream, the place I always wanted to go,” Walls said.

In-state pressure was once considered a plus for UT until Walls moved from Wooddale High School in Memphis to Olive Branch (Miss.) High. Suddenly, Walls went from being the News Sentinel’s fourth best prospect in the state and seemingly destined to sign with UT to being surrounded by Ole Miss fans.

But once Orgeron and Freeze were gone, neither fans nor newly hired Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt could convince Walls to stay in-state.

“It was pretty easy,” Walls said of changing his mind. “I would say it was easier than what I thought it would be.”

Walls has been to most of the schools in the SEC, but strangely enough had never been to, the school he was most infatuated with, UT. His first visit to Knoxville was Jan. 11.

“I had chills from the moment I was there to the moment I left,” Walls said. “I didn’t want to leave. It turned out to be more than what I thought it would be.

“None of them (other SEC schools) felt the way I felt when I went down there (to Knoxville).”

With any prospect that decommits, there’s usually concern about just how committed he is to his new school. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Walls.

“I’m happy with where I’m at,” said Walls, who also considered Florida last summer. “It can’t get any better than that.”

To be so smitten with the Vols, it’s almost hard to believe that Walls could have ended up at Ole Miss had it not been for the Rebels’ coaching change. The whole scenario has taught Walls a lesson.

“I know now that things happen for a reason,” he said.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       64 Comments

Posted by FLVol on January 26, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally a committment how many stars?

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This kid is a 4*.Hopefully Coples will commit today, and get the ball rolling.Hadn't looked good ,but we are not dead yet.Welcome to UT son.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the kind of guy we want at UT.Good story about hi on Rivals.com.Said he had tears in his eyes as he entered K-town.A young man that will put the program 1st and give his all for Tennessee!

Posted by dvols on January 26, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great, did ya'll just see dereck rose!

Posted by IPOrange on January 26, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally some good news!

thesavageorange, do you have a direct link to the Rivals.com story?

Posted by vol1994 on January 26, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

finally someone committing to vol nation.

Posted by tngeoff on January 26, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang good news.

Posted by jcvet on January 26, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope he is as mean as he was trying to look in his picture.

Posted by TommyJack on January 26, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6'2", 225, 4.55 Add 60 el bees of KK's and the man could be a DT.

Posted by Vols1998 on January 26, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1 Down........10 to go. How long since our last commitment? month?

Ok...let's huddle up, game plan...steal some recuits.........BREAK!

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange ,Sorry I don't.My brother was here a few minutes ago, and I was under his account.Now he won't answer the phone.Hopefully someone else can post it.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There ya go.Thanks TJ.

Posted by IPOrange on January 26, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rivals lists TN at #43 in recruiting so far this year, but it appears that at least 3 four-star recruits have committed to UT since then: Aaron Douglas, Marlon Walls, and Gerald Williams. Check it out (see link below) and then click on TN to see a list of the commits. We should move up in rankings soon.

http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank....

Posted by ONUV on January 26, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rivals continually keeps team rankings updated. we've been in the 40s after aaraon douglas and gerald williams.

maybe will break into the top 40!

outermonvolia.com

Posted by GerryOP on January 26, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess ol' bi-vocational sjt was right. Ain't seen nobody here abouts say anything bad about Good Ol' Phill all day ... and look what happened!

Posted by budrhon on January 26, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chism should take lessons on looking mean from Mr. Walls,lol.

Posted by budrhon on January 26, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phenomenal tip in dunk by Derrick Rose.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know we need DT's but hopefully Donald Langley can add depth this year.He was the 12 rated DT coming out of HS.Haynesworth was 6-6 320 and Henderson was 6-7 325.If Bolden can gain 30 lbs and an attitude to go w/ it we may be ok.Give that boy some fritters.

Posted by knoxsingle on January 26, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to Mr. Walls! Excellent choice, young man, and we're glad you're a Tennessee Vol.

Posted by KingsportVol on January 26, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to the coaching staff.Hopefully you can steal some more like him.Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by Plasticman on January 26, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fantastic news. Keep it rolling this weekend with visitors on campus.

Posted by dburgVol on January 26, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great news! I have been watching him since he was a junior and knew he had UT in his heart. I want to see more in-state kids with that kind of attitude, then we can get all of the Hendersons, Wittens, and Wilsons. Let's gettem Phil, take us back to the late 90's!
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by cgbtn on January 26, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The recruiting services befuddle me. How can Williams be a 1-star on Scout and a 4-Star on Rivals. I'm glad UT does its own player evaluations and ignores the recruiting services.

Posted by DennisVols on January 26, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still believe a player earns his stars once he gets on the field at the next level. Too many 5* players never fulfill that status at the college level. Watch the NFL on any given Sunday and see how many 2 & 3* players that went to division II schools because the major universities didn't think they had enough *'s coming out of HS to give them a shot.
This years recruiting class greatness will be determined by their record on the field not by what some recruiting site says prior to them playing their first game.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's not forget that Brandon Warren is set to enroll at UT this summer.Warren was a 5 star player, and it is said since he won his appeal, he will be eligible this yr.If he counted as a 08 recruit and if we could some how get Enrique Davis(another 5*),and a couple of 4*'s it would change the perception of this class.However, lately it's been good news bad news,so I'm bracing myself.

Posted by FWBVol on January 26, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points DennisVols, I've said similar things before. Stars beside a kid's name simply mean somebody think they have potential. How many of us are old enough to remember Marcus Dupree out of Philadelphia, Miss., 20 or 25 years ago? He was Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker rolled into one and never did anything at the college level.

In any given year 25 percent or more of the top 100 prospects go from a who's who to a who's that in four years.

I think this can still be a solid class that we can build on. After last year's great class that might be just the ticket, although another great class would be nice as well.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eVOLution ,Where did you hear about Alexander?I know it was coming down to FSU and UT, but hadn't heard he signed.I hope you are correct.Momentum baby!Chug chug chug.

Posted by tngeoff on January 26, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP.

Good one!

thesavageorange.

I hope you're right. THAT would change things very nicely!

pdhuff.

It might just be me, but that looks like a blue odd ogg on Marlon Walls jersey.

Posted by NickS4117 on January 26, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually he is a 3* on Scout, but regardless this should help the #60 ranking.

Posted by marc_ash on January 26, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is the word on Brandon Warren...will be be eligible to play this season? Whats the latest?

Posted by pdhuff on January 26, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank the Lord, maybe the late great push has finally started. Get this thang in gear, boys.

Posted by marc_ash on January 26, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do not be surprised if the Vols get Enrique Davis. This guy will be able to play immediately, he will have a great RB coach (this may be the surprise recruit folks were talking about when Drayton came to Rocky Top), and UT's style of play fits Davis.

He visits on the 2nd, so hopefully he's blown away. Of the teams Davis has interest in, Auburn is out and Oregon should be too (if "the spread" is why he supposedly left Auburn, Oregon does him no good). Maryland shouldn't spark his interest either. That leaves FL State and Ole Miss to compete with UT. This may be what turns things around for the Vols if Davis comes in. I like the Vols chances. We..shall...see...

Posted by govols57 on January 26, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My father lives in Marks, Mississippi and saw Marlon play against South Panola High school. South Panola won the game (like they do every game, they are the Maryville of Mississippi) but they could not stop Walls. Dad said he is the real deal and is a blur on the field. So, I am excited to get him out there. Hopefully he can make an impact like Berry did, but we are so deep at linbacker I don't expect him to play the first year. But, you never know, he could be a very special player.

Posted by govols57 on January 26, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No word on Warren yet, I heard he was admitted for school but still waiting for the NCAA to grant him a hardship waiver so he doesn't have to sit out a year. That is the last I heard, has anyone hear anything?

Posted by govols57 on January 26, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eVolution,

I have story here posted on January 15th saying he committed to Pitt. Did he de-committ?

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?sl...

Posted by govols57 on January 26, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry,

That A.J. Alexander committed to Pitt. Did he de-committ?

Posted by marc_ash on January 26, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This just in! I have committed to UT. I'll be playing OLB and hope to play as a freshman.

I am quoted as saying "I really enjoyed my visit to UT. It was nice. Coaches said I had a chance to play this year if I worked hard and competed. I'm excited to be a Vol."

I run a 6.5 40 and I am 34 years old but hey...I can still do jumping jacks and wave my arms in my drive-way, so I should be fine.

Posted by mlbrown5454 on January 26, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's good, I committed as a grad student with all eligibility remaining. I'm going to fill the d-line void as a 6'1 185 no muscle monster. I haven't been timed running the 40, but I do take the stairs sometimes at work.

Posted by 55Vol on January 26, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash...word of advice..DON'T wave your arms in your driveway...the KPD WILL arrest you.

Posted by Hunter on January 26, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More promise of some early playing time with Jerod Mayo gone probably contributed to this. Glad to have him!

Posted by dphilj on January 26, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

High School Seniors cannot sign LOI until signing day in February...

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 26, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ainge looked good in senior bowl, Cottam scored a TD.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govols57 ,Yes Warren is eligible this yr from what I read.He cannot enroll until June,but is not allowed to speak to the coaches until he is enrolled.I don't have the site anymore , but it was written by the Tampa Bay times.(the Tampa Bay something).If I am able to find it again I will gladly post it.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 26, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually the way it read was UT has to file for the waiver w/ the Ncaa when he enrolls.They said however, he should not have any problems since he was released from his letter of intent upon the appeal of a earlier denial.Meaning he didn't break any rules by leaving mid semester.You know how news sources are though.I am very hopefull this is correct.He has already proven he can play

Posted by rubbervol on January 26, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome news Marlon---thank you son !
Go Big Orange

Posted by Plasticman on January 26, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Getting Brandon Warren eligible this year would be huge. He could play TE or DE and be a star. I hope he has stayed in shape since it will have been 2 years since he has played.

Posted by bullfrog07 on January 26, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Should fit well in with Chief's "Mustang" (j/k). Looks like a good pick-up, 6-4 backer. Wonder which position they'll move him too (DE, OG, H-Back). Hopefully he'll stay at backer but at UT you never know.

Hopefully this will pick us up some momentum..

Posted by anthony on January 26, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe this guy more than the Clinton's!!

Posted by dallasdog1 on January 26, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lets just tell bolden to imagine the guy across from him is eric ainge and he will kick his ass every down.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 26, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

who is warren and what did he do get greyshirted and from what team

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 26, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

never mind i know who warren is, fla st. tight end. he is only 5'8" and was recruited as a rb not te

Posted by FWBVol on January 27, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cowboy are you kidding or drunk? Warren is a legit 6-5 stud that was the best player in the state coming out of Alcoa two years ago. He was a freshman AA at FSU. From what I remember too, he also has the physical tools to play DE if he would agree to that change.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 27, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RB NR Brandon Warren
(Jean Ribault HS)
Jacksonville, FL 5-8/154

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 27, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this warren is class of 08

Posted by andy112382 on January 27, 2008 at 1:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volunteer_cowboy.......wow......that is all I can say.....

Posted by txsvol on January 27, 2008 at 2:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scout has a good video of him at OLB. He's good at taking on the blocker at the point of attack, either right or left, and still tackling the ball carrier. He made a couple of plays across the field, and had a QB sack against South Panola. Looks like they ran away from him in the other video, as he didn't do much. Good late recruiting pickup. Kudos to CPF and staff. Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by FWBVol on January 27, 2008 at 4:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go figure, a guy is a freshman AA and everybody wants to use his name.

That is weird, but unless the 2008 Warren runs a 4.3 40 the only way he'll get into to Neyland or any other SEC stadium is to buy a ticket.

Posted by pdhuff on January 27, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marlon, your assignment will be to MAKE SURE I never get the icy chill of watching the Fla side of the scoreboard say 59. Or the Tide 41. Never again. Period.

Welcome aboard, Volunteer.

Posted by beachvol1 on January 27, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you are putting way toooo much emphasis on the number of stars a recuit has beside his name...lots of sleepers out there and it's all about how well they are coached(taught) and how much self discipline they have...not to mention their work ethic....HMMMMM.....I don't recall any so-called stars that came along with Dale Jones or Daryl Dickey, and they were pretty darn good football players!!!!!!

Posted by hmhawk on January 27, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I apologize for barging in but last week on one of the posts you were discussing the 08 schedule.Check out the 09 schedule.I have too many gray hairs now so I reckon that's when they start falling out.Oh yeah,we still need to add one more game.Lord help me keep my blood orange.

Posted by utmdm on January 27, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, sphs_vol, care to share the list?

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