When University of Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton and running back Arian Foster botched a fumble in their end zone last Saturday at Auburn, Chase and Chance Jones were closer to the play than any Tigers' second-stringer.

"We were right behind it," said Chase Jones. "I saw myself on TV after that fumble."

"We got the best seats you could offer. We were right behind the goal posts. It had been a while since I'd been to a college football game."

For the twins, the sons of former Tennessee basketball player Rob Jones (1982-86), that was the first of many games they'll take in during the next few months. The two seniors from Austin-East returned to football this season after playing as freshmen and have instantly become sought-after recruits.

Chase is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound safety/wide receiver know as "Big Twin" around A-E's campus. Chance, born 10 minutes behind Chase on Jan. 29, 1991, is a 6-2, 185-pound safety/receiver known as - you guessed it - "Lil' Twin."

Each accepted the invitation from Tennessee assistant coach Dan Brooks earlier this week to attend Saturday's game with Northern Illinois. Their goal is to play at the same school, and they're also being recruited by Colorado, Oklahoma State, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State and Marshall.

And remember: they've only played five games this season for Austin-East (3-2). The last two years, they were helping the basketball team to consecutive Class AA state tournament appearances.

"Those kids, I've been trying to get them out for the past three years," said Austin-East coach Kwayu Graham. "But one thing people don't consider with Chance and Chase is their leadership. Coach (Charles) Mitchell does a great job with the (boys') basketball program, and those guys have been fortunate enough to make it to championship-style games and make it to the tournament in basketball. And they're bringing those leadership qualities to our team."

They're also nightmarish matchups for opponents. Chance makes receivers pay when coming across the middle. Chase breaks up passes the average safety can't. And despite their hiatus, the Jones twins had no problem getting physical fast.

"Chance has hit some kids this year and jarred their helmets," said Graham. "Big Jones (Chase), he's physical, too. ..."I was surprised they were as physical as they are, and I'm glad."

The twins said they've always loved football, but each admitted to being influenced in the past by outsiders whose joint contention was to keep to the hardwood.

But the twins decided during the spring to give it another shot, and they conferred with and got the "OK" from Mitchell and their father, who told them "to be careful." They've been standing out since.

"In basketball, we're just average height," said Chance Jones. "But in football, we're above expectations as receivers and safeties."

Former Tennessee offensive coordinator and current Kentucky quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders was the first to try and swoop them up, Graham said.

"Randy really wanted them to come to one of their camps (over the summer) so that Coach (Rich) Brooks could see them in action," said Graham. "He wanted so bad for them to come, but they were at basketball camp."

Graham said he's also had talks with West Virginia assistant Chris Beatty and Virginia Tech assistant Charles Wiley, the latter of whom came down during the spring to evaluate and who has been checking in often on their progress.

Graham has no doubt that the twins are of Division I caliber. He's also been impressed with how they've handled the growing spotlight.

"They are humble kids," he said. "You never hear 'I' much with them."

Chase and Chance said that comes from family.

"My mom and grandmom always keep us level-headed," said Chance. "They tell us not to get the big head, that it's really not anything until you get a scholarship."

Added Chase: "I can hear my momma right now, 'The most important thing you can do is get your education. And, it's going to be for free.' "

Each maintains a 3.0 grade-point average or better and recently took the ACT. They're awaiting the results.

"I think those kids can play on Saturdays on TV," said Graham. "I honestly do. I really do.

"(But) the way our kids (here) look at it, if they have an opportunity to go to school and have that paid for, I don't think our kids care what division they're in. They've come to humble themselves to know that there are 50 states and each one has hundreds and hundreds of athletes trying to get a small amount of scholarships.

"And if they're fortunate enough to have their abilities have their school paid for, they're appreciative. They have a realistic outlook on it."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.