Marlon Walls is more than ready for his Neyland Stadium debut today, even if he’s not clad in orange and white.

This time around, the 2008 Tennessee commitment will be starting at middle linebacker for Hargrave Military Academy against his beloved Vols during Thursday’s junior varsity game.

Some feared that this might be Walls’ first and last game in Knoxville.

Like many prospects, Walls said he considered looking at other schools in light of UT coach Phillip Fulmer’s departure.

“That was part of the dream, to play for Phillip Fulmer,” said Walls, who will enroll at UT in January. “I stepped back three days ago and I was going to open up my options. But I just couldn’t see myself anywhere else besides Tennessee.

“I just love it too much. Whatever coach we get, it’s going to be good.”

Walls originally signed with UT out of Olive Branch (Miss.) High School following a transfer from Wooddale High School in Memphis before his senior season.

Academic shortcomings sent Walls to Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., where he plays middle linebacker and defensive end this season.

Defensive end was a snap. He played the position along with outside linebacker in high school. Playing in the middle, however, was a challenge.

“I had to learn how to play that middle linebacker and I’ve grown to love it,” Walls said. “Now you can’t just get away from me. I’m running sideline to sideline.”

Walls was originally recruited to UT to play linebacker but at 6-foot-4, it was considered a strong possibility that he could grow into a defensive end.

That may have already happened. Walls said he’s stronger and more physical than ever before.

Walls enrolled at Hargrave at 268 pounds. He’s since dropped to 257 and hopes to be 245 by next fall.

“With these new (UT) coaches, I’ll just sit back and let them decide which I’m best at,” Walls said. “I’d love to play either one. It doesn’t matter to me. Whatever will help the team win.”

Walls also said he doesn’t care who UT hires, but said he’d like to see a tough, hard-nosed coach at the helm.

“I think those are the ones you learn the most from,” he said.

UT is just happy he’ll be learning in Knoxville.

“I ain’t going nowhere,” Walls said.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.