Gaither running back Jarvis Giles, one of the state's most coveted recruits, made his college intentions known Friday. And to those who know him best, his choice — the Tennessee Volunteers — came as no surprise.
"I think they were the lead dog (from the start), and they just stayed in front," Gaither coach Mark Kantor said.
Giles (5 feet 11, 178 pounds) is Tennessee's sixth commitment and arguably its most notable to date. Last week, Rivals.com ranked Giles the 103rd best player in the Class of 2009. Two days ago, the same site called him the country's second-best running back in space and fifth-best home run threat.
Giles chose the Vols over Florida State, Clemson, Nebraska and Georgia.
"He loved the family atmosphere (at UT), and just the atmosphere in general," Kantor said. "He said it was just a special place to be. He's a fantastic football player. He'll be fine up there."
Giles had about two dozen scholarship offers. He enters his senior season at Gaither after having produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
As a sophomore, Giles was fourth at the state track and field meet in the 100-meter dash (10.86 seconds). He didn't run this spring so he could concentrate on his academics.
"He's real excited about (his commitment)," said Justin Lattimore, one of Giles' teammates at Gaither. "He's always looked forward to playing for Tennessee."
News
