KNOXVILLE — Former Florida State freshman All-America tight end Brandon Warren has been admitted to the University of Tennessee, according to a UT official.

Bruce Warwick, UT’s assistant athletic director for football operations, confirmed the news Thursday afternoon via e-mail.

“He has been admitted,” Warwick wrote. “There are still a number of issues we are currently working with the NCAA about eligibility.”

The school’s official Web site lists Brandon Rashaun Warren as an “active” student.

Warren was named the No. 26 overall prospect, No. 2 weakside defensive end and No. 1 prospect in Tennessee following his senior season at Alcoa High School, located approximately 10 miles from the UT campus. He chose Florida State over Tennessee in a highly competitive recruiting battle. He was named freshman All-America after catching 28 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown as FSU’s starting tight end.

Warren left FSU shortly after his freshman season, citing a desire to be near his ill mother. Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden denied the request, though, and an FSU faculty board denied Warren’s appeal.

The NCAA let Warren out his letter-of-intent while Warren attended classes at Knoxville’s Pellissippi State Community College. That was the first of three steps needed to get him on the field for UT this season. The second step was fixing his academic situation at PSCC and enrolling at UT. The third is an immediate eligibility waiver from the NCAA to play this season. While that’s no sure thing, it’s generally considered an easier step than getting out of a signed letter-of-intent, according to a UT official.

It’s not clear whether the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Warren would play defensive end or tight end for the Vols.

Read www.timesfreepress.com throughout the day and Friday’s print edition for more information.