Tennessee fans are hoping the next trip Jonathan Meeks takes to Knoxville is a permanent one.

The defensive back from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown during the first half against UT's junior varsity on Thursday night at Neyland Stadium.

Meeks, who had four kickoff returns for 158 yards in the 37-21 loss, is strongly considering UT and plans to return for an official visit.

Meeks said UT caught his eye with its winning tradition and "hard-nosed" reputation.

Although this is Phillip Fulmer's last season as coach of the Vols, Meeks said he still has confidence in UT's future.

"Tennessee is still Tennessee," Meeks said. "They're still going to be a good program. I know Coach Fulmer is a great coach and he'll be missed here, but Tennessee's name will still be on it if he's not here."

If Meeks has any questions about UT, he has someone he can call.

Before arriving at Hargrave, Meeks attended Rock Hill (S.C) High School, the same school former UT defensive back Jonathan Hefney attended.

Meeks said he's already asked Hefney about his time in Knoxville.

"He said it's a great place to live," Meeks said. "He stayed all four years. He didn't leave early and he made a name here."

Meeks has already visited North Carolina and plans to visit North Carolina State this weekend.

Meeks said he's also considering scholarship offers from Florida, South Carolina, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Interest Unknown: Hargrave defensive end Leon Mackey said he's interested in UT, but he's not sure if the Vols have the same feeling.

Mackey, who's considering offers from Arkansas, LSU, North Carolina, N.C. State and Virginia Tech, said he would consider UT if the Vols showed interest.

"Last year they were my top school but they kind of fell out on me because of my grades, my academic situation," Mackey said. "I just thought things fell through the roof. I would most definitely consider them."

Like Meeks, Mackey isn't bothered by Fulmer's departure.

"I know Coach Fulmer left, but I'd come here to play football," Mackey said. "That's what I do, play football."

Mackey will take his first official visit this weekend with Meeks to N.C. State.

Walls Returns: Hargrave linebacker Marlon Walls, who's committed to UT, was excited to make a return trip to Knoxville.

"As soon as I got close I got chills," Walls said. "I started clapping on the bus and guys were telling me to shut up.

"I just love this place. I can't wait to actually get here and be a part of this team officially."

Walls said he hopes Meeks and Mackey will join him at UT, but Kevin Newsome won't.

Walls said the Hargrave quarterback dropped the Vols after quarterback Tajh Boyd from Phoebus High in Hampton, Va., committed on Nov. 1.

Newsome's loss, says Walls.

"What player wouldn't want to play here?" Walls asked. "I'm looking forward to getting some more commits and the guys that de-committed, I feel sorry for them."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.