Schofield touched home on Sunday when he finalized his choice during his official visit to Tennessee. That’s only fitting since that’s also where he committed last summer at UT’s senior’s camp to begin a recruiting odyssey that occupied his next seven months. He de-committed when Tennessee made its coaching change.
At times since he has referred to himself as a UT commitment although his allegiance was never a certainty. Clemson and South Carolina put up a fight for the 6-foot-6, 298-pound, offensive tackle prospect from Aiken, S,C, who’s ranked No. 31 nationally at his position. An official visit to Clemson two weeks ago pulled the Tigers even with Tennessee, but the Vols regained the lead over the weekend and Schofield says the process has concluded.
“I’ve pretty much sewn up my recruiting decision,” he told Robert Thorne of CUTiger.com. “I’ve decided on Tennessee.
“I like their academic support system. I like the practice and training will be on an NFL level. The atmosphere is great and the people are. It is amazing, not to mention the winning history behind Tennessee."
Asked if this was his final decision, Schofield stated, “Yes, it is my final decision. My recruiting is over."
ESPN U offers the following scouting report on the O-lineman:
Schofield is a raw talent at offensive tackle. He has tremendous size and is fairly athletic for such a big guy. Strong and powerful and demonstrates the ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. Uses his hands well and can lock them into the frame of the defender in controlling the opponent. Must bend more at the knees and maintain a wider base instead of letting legs come together losing leverage. Tends to lunge at the defender when both run and pass blocking resulting in being over extended and off balance. Pass protection is sound when he keeps his weight back and doesn't lunge. Large wing span is a great benefit in locking out the rusher and stalemating the charge. Possesses quick feet but needs to work on flexibility in the knees and hips. Schofield will get better and better as he matures and learns the game.
Schofield has seen his stock skyrocket over his senior season at Aiken High School which he entered das a two-star prospect ranked No. 118 among offensive He was named to the South Carolina squad for the annual Shrine Bowl against a North Carolina all-star team.
Schofield joins Kevin Revis, of Rhea County High School and Aubrey Phillips of Olive Branch, Miss., as offensive lineman committed to UT’s Class of 2009. Phillips visited Florida State this week and still makes Tennessee his solid favorite.
Meanwhile, running back David Oku of Oklahoma City, Okla., visited Syracuse and now says his commitment to the Vols is in question. Former Vols assistant coach Stan Drayton is recruiting Oku for Syracuse.
Mike Edwards, who is a four-star prospect ranked No. 21 at his position. He chose Tennessee over offers from Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota.