Athlete Marsalis Teague from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., has received a scholarship offer from Tennessee.

Teague's teammate, fullback Dominique Allen, committed to the Vols on April 19. Teague got his offer Monday.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Teague said he was happy to hear UT tight ends coach Jason Michael extend the scholarship offer.

"I really didn't know what to say," Teague said. "I was kind of at a loss for words. I told him (Michael), 'Thank you,' and said I still have to think through everything and do what's best for me."

Teague has plenty of options to consider. He has scholarship offers from Miami, Georgia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Memphis.

Teague said he plans to visit as many schools as possible this summer.

He said he hopes to choose a school before his senior season begins, but he wants to be certain before he makes a commitment.

"Even if I feel like I'm not completely sure I won't make a decision," he said. "I'll prolong it until I know I'm 100 percent sure what I want to do.

"This is a big decision. I can't have doubts about where I want to go."

Teague has no doubts about where people in his community want him to go.

With Allen committed to UT, Teague said many will expect him to follow his friend to Knoxville.

Teague said UT may eventually be his choice, but he doesn't want to rush his decision.

"There are a lot of options out there with different schools that have different things to offer," he said. "I have to be open minded to see what the schools have to offer. If I do feel like Tennessee is the right place that's where I'll be."

Teague said it would feel right to continue his playing career with Allen.

Teague and Allen are close friends and have played together since their Pop Warner days.

"It would kind of feel funny if we branch out and go separate ways," Teague said. "When we started going through recruiting we said we'd go to the same school if we can.

"It's possible we'll play together but it might not definitely happen. If it does happen, it'd be great."

Allen said he's hopeful Teague will join him at UT.

"It'd be great," Allen said. "We've played so much ball together.

"We've got so much in common. We can relate to each other on so much."

Teague said he'll look for a coaching staff he can relate to while he compares his schools.

He said he can be comforted by Phillip Fulmer's long tenure at UT.

"Coach Fulmer has been there a long time," Teague said. "I look at the success they've had since he's been there. They've been one of the winningest programs in college football."

Teague said UT's coaches have discussed the possibility of him playing cornerback, safety or receiver, as well as helping in the kick-return game.

Teague said he has no preference.

"Whatever helps the team," he said. "I'll help where there's a need. That's what I'm all for."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.