Rebels' Maples commits to Vols

Maryville's Tyler Maples could have other taken visits. He could have listened to what other coaches had to say.
But it would have been a waste of time. Maples is now and has always been a Volunteer.
``I grew up watching Tennessee football,'' said the Rebel junior. ``Anyone who has grown up here, who lives here, they have a passion for Tennessee. I always knew this is what I wanted.
``I wanted to be a Vol.''
And so he shall be. Maples -- Maryville's speedy wide receiver/defensive back/return specialist -- verbally committed to the University of Tennessee Tuesday afternoon. He becomes the Vols' second official commitment for 2007 season, joining Austin-East athlete Anthony Anderson.
Tennessee took criticism for its weak instate recruiting for this year's class. The Vols finished with four instate players -- including Alcoa tailback Dustin Lindsey -- in a class of 22 new prospects.
With Anderson and Maples -- both Knoxville area players -- each choosing to commit prior to their senior season, the 2007 class seems to be headed in a different direction.
It's something that Maples is hopeful for.
``Ask anybody and they'll tell you local players will play harder and give more effort,'' said Maples, who scored an outstanding 23 touchdowns for the Rebels in 2005. ``The whole program is going through a change right now, and I want to be apart of that. Any local player would. They're worried about winning, and that seems to be what they need.''
Maples received significant looks from Vanderbilt and attention from Alabama. But a constant flow of letters and phone calls isn't what the rising senior wants for his final year under MHS coach George Quarles.
``He told me he wants to be able to focus on the season ahead,'' said Quarles, who also coached Maples' brother Ryan in 1999 and 2000. ``I think that speaks a lot about the player he is. He really cares about things and pours himself into it. He wants to be around a winning team.''
Assuming Maples signs with the Vols next February, he will become the seventh Rebel under Quarles to reach the Division I level. Few of them may make the impact Maples could, Quarles said.
``He's a very versatile player, but he's just so fast,'' Quarles said. ``He's just special, and you can't imagine how valuable his speed is going to be for him.''
Maples ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash earlier this season and plans on continuing to work the number down. Tennessee assistant coaches Dan Brooks and Steve Caldwell each recruited Maples, who plays with Caldwell's son, Lendl.
At this point, Maples said he would prefer to play receiver at the next level -- a position Quarles said he could excel in -- but really it doesn't matter. He just looks forward to realizing a dream.
``I want to be a part of it all,'' Maples said. ``Running through the `T' with 108,000 people cheering for you. Who wouldn't want to be a apart of that?''