Thompkins wants to be part of UT rebuilding

By Dave Hooker
Updated Monday, November 2, 2009

What makes a prospect from three time zones away commit to play for a school without ever visiting its campus?

Answer: Lane Kiffin.

Tennessee's head coach made the Vols an attractive option for Kenbrell Thompkins from El Camino Community College in Torrance, Calif. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver committed to UT on Sunday.

"I just liked the fact that it's an up-and-coming program," Thompkins said. "Lane Kiffin, he's a very cocky coach. He's doing anything he can to get his program noticed."

Thompkins committed to UT despite having never been to Knoxville. The depth chart was a strong factor.

"I most definitely like the fact that they're in the need for a No. 1 receiver," he said.

Thompkins is considered one of the top junior college receiver prospects in the nation. He has scholarship offers from Florida, Alabama, LSU and Arizona among others.

He said he'll try to take his official visit to UT in December. However, Thompkins has seen the Vols up close. He took his official visit to Alabama when the Crimson Tide played host to UT on Oct. 24. The Vols nearly upset then-No. 1 Alabama, losing 12-10.

"They also did good against Florida," Thompkins said of the Vols. "That most definitely let me know that Tennessee is definitely on the edge to turning the program around. They just need some playmakers. Hopefully I can be one of those playmakers that can help turn it around."

Thompkins has caught 47 passes for 710 yards and five touchdowns this season. He said he might take official visits to other schools but maintained he is committed to UT.

"For some reason, I couldn't hold back," Thompkins said.

Thompkins described himself as an electrifying, physical receiver who makes smart decisions and is a good leader. That would be a good fit for the Vols, who are missing a big receiver and will be in even more need next season. UT's biggest receiver, 6-foot-3 Quintin Hancock, is a senior.

"Tennessee just happened to be my best opportunity," Thompkins said.

Close To Committing? Dequan Menzie is reportedly close to announcing his decision and has the Vols in the lead.

"That may be my last visit," Menzie told InsideTennessee.com of his official visit to UT last weekend. "I may not take any more visits after that one. . . . Everything about Tennessee was perfect. It was such a great experience. I will be honest.

"I didn't think I would get out of (Knoxville) without committing, but I had promised my mom I would stop and think about it before making a final decision."

Menzie said he probably will announce his decision Thursday.

Not So Lame: Receiver Chris Dunkley from Pahokee (Fla.) High School was admittedly surprised by his visit to UT last weekend.

"It was good. I enjoyed myself a lot. At first, you know, I thought Tennessee could be kind of lame, I want to say, just being honest," the 5-10, 170-pounder told Volquest.com. "But I enjoyed myself a lot. I could see myself playing here. I can see why a lot of kids come here."