McCallie quarterback B.J. Coleman committed Tuesday night to play his college football for the Tennessee Vols.
Coleman, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder, threw for 2,203 yards, 19 touchdowns and only three interceptions during his junior season.
He becomes the Vols' eighth commitment, joining another local standout -- Baylor running back Kevin Cooper.
McCallie Sports Information Director Trey Tucker said the offer came from Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer on Tuesday night.
"It took him only about 30 minutes to decide after coach Fulmer's offer,'' Tucker said.
Tucker said Coleman has been in contact with Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe during camps on the Tennessee campus.
"He told B.J. that out of more than 200 quarterbacks he has evaluated, that he was the one Tennessee wanted,'' Tucker said. "B.J. is such a fine young man. He has handled all this recruiting with a lot of humility.''
After an early morning workout Wednesday morning at McCallie, Coleman said, "It was definitely a surprise and an honor when coach Fulmer called with the offer. It feels great. I'm pumped.''
Coleman said he has developed a close relationship to Cutcliffe.
"I love coach Cut,'' he said. "I've been going to the camps and I've developed more than a coach/athlete relationship. We have a real connection.''
Coleman, who grew up in Chattanooga, said he has never been a "die-hard'' Tennessee fan.
"I've really mainly been an SEC fan,'' he said. "I love the speed of the game.
"Now, I've got an opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the nation. Coach Cut will have a chance to mold me like he did the Mannings, Heath Shuler, Todd Helton and Andy Kelly.''
Coleman said he still has big plans for his senior season at McCallie.
"That's my big mission, my priority,'' he said. "Now, I can relax and focus on winning a state championship ring.''
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)