'10 PA QB Malik Stokes (Official Offer)

[GoRU]

'10 PA QB Malik Stokes



Pro-style quarterback
Philadelphia (PA) Northeast

Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 157 lbs
Class: 2010 (High School)

Will Stokes follow brother to UT? QB says Fulmer is 'a loving guy' : Football Recruiting : GoVolsXtra.com

It was only fitting that Tennessee was the first school to offer a scholarship to Malik Stokes.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior quarterback from Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pa., received the offer while participating in UT's summer camp last week.

Stokes arrived in Knoxville hoping to impress UT's coaches and earn an offer.

"Tennessee has great coaches," he said. "I wanted to put in some work and go down there and show them what I've worked for. I got an offer and that's what I wanted."

Stokes' trip to Knoxville last week wasn't his first.

Stokes has accompanied his brother, receiver Je'Ron Stokes, during several visits to UT over the past two years.

Je'Ron Stokes is committed to sign with the Vols in February.

Both brothers made the return appearance to UT last week, but this trip was for the younger recruit.

During the camp, Malik Stokes was able to work with new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson, who also coaches quarterbacks.

"He's a cool guy," Stokes said of Clawson. "He's very intelligent as far as the way he runs things, runs his offense and the way he teaches. He's very intelligent."

It was a new experience for Stokes to work with Clawson.

Stokes' time with coach Phillip Fulmer was more familiar.

Stokes, who has developed a relationship with Fulmer during his brother's recruitment, said he's impressed by the family atmosphere Fulmer has created at UT.

"He's somebody you can feel comfortable being around when you're far away from home as Je'Ron will be," Stokes said. "(Fulmer is) a loving guy.

"You know he has your back. He's a truthful guy. He's a great coach, great mentor and great person."

Stokes will have support from his brother as he goes through the recruiting process.

Malik Stokes said he'll lean on Je'Ron whenever he needs advice.

"He knows what certain schools will do and say to try to get you and they may not be truthful," Malik Stokes said. "He knows the ins and outs.

"He'll be by my side to help me out. We talk all the time so he'll be a major factor for my decision."

Playing with his brother at UT will be a factor in Stokes' decision as well.

Stokes said they often discuss the idea of playing together past high school.

Stokes said he expects his brother to continue to endorse UT while also respecting the importance of the recruiting process.

"First and foremost he already knows Tennessee is one of my top schools," Malik Stokes said. "Tennessee is my first offer.

"I really like Tennessee. He knows regardless Tennessee will definitely be in my top five."

Stokes said he still has plenty to sort through before he makes a decision.

He said he's received strong interest from Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Minnesota, Rutgers, Clemson and Maryland.

Like his brother, Stokes said he hopes to choose a college before his senior season.

"It might go a little longer than what I plan but hopefully I can make a decision before my senior year," he said.

[GoRU]

ESPN - Midwest Recruiting Blog

Wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes (Philadelphia/Northeast) remains committed to Tennessee, though he is going to look at his options. Stokes' younger brother, quarterback and teammate Malik Stokes, is one of the top juniors in the state of Pennsylvania. Malik Stokes has had his 2008 season disrupted with torn meniscus and a sprained MCL of his left knee but still has early scholarship offers from Tennessee, Maryland and North Carolina.