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• Kiffin gives recruit early wake-up call
• Kiffin must hit ground running for recruits
• Oku denies he's de-committed to UT

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The connection between the University of Tennessee and Catholic High School offensive tackle/defensive end Daniel Hood appears to be broken, although the reason is unclear.

Hood told the News Sentinel that he believed UT was still recruiting him, even though he hadn’t heard from the Vols lately. However, multiple UT sources said Hood is no longer being recruited.

Hood was originally told that he had an offer but it wasn’t guaranteed without a quick commitment.

“He said ‘Look, with this offer, it’s yours. The only thing that can keep you from getting this offer is if someone takes it from you,’ ” Hood said, recalling a conversation with UT coach Phillip Fulmer.

UT hasn’t since received any commitments from players similar to Hood — at least publicly.

Hood had minor arthroscopic elbow surgery last month but that isn’t thought to be a factor in his recruiting. Hood is already playing basketball and the recovery time from such a surgery is usually just a few weeks.

Hood has plenty of options. He said he has scholarship offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Louisville, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Marshall, Colorado, Virginia Tech, Stanford and UCLA, among others.

UCLA was at the forefront after Hood visited the Los Angeles campus earlier this week during a family vacation to Las Vegas.

“Their weather is probably the best weather I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Hood said. “The campus is great too.”

Hood said he hasn’t yet whittled down his list of schools and that he’s still considering all official invites.

“No matter what happens,” Hood said. “I’m pretty set.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.