Chabot DT Harris commits to Vols

KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee football coaches Friday plucked their second California junior college commitment in 24 hours.

Chabot Junior College defensive tackle Pat Harris became UT’s sixth public pledge for 2010, and the fourth defensive lineman. Officials from Chabot confirmed the news Friday night.

“My mind has been telling me Tennessee for a while,” Harris told Scout.com. “I just wanted to make sure it was the right option. I’m excited about playing for Lane Kiffin. I have been a Raider fan for a long time.”

The Volunteers’ new head coach previously coached the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Harris told Scout.com what several defensive recruits have said, that playing for UT defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron was one of his primary deciding factors.

“Coach O is one of the best defensive line (coaches) in the country,” Harris told the Web site. “I want to get to the next level, and I’m confident he can do that.”

Harris’ high school didn’t have a football program, and he took a year off after graduation before enrolling at Chabot.