Football: Oscar Smith's Askew commits to Tennessee

CHESAPEAKE

Jerod Askew is headed to the Southeastern Conference.

Askew, a heavily recruited Oscar Smith High School linebacker, picked Tennessee over a host of the nation’s top college football programs Wednesday. He committed to the Volunteers after narrowing his list of finalists to include Alabama, Maryland, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Askew had dozens of scholarship offers, but he made his decision after an official visit this past weekend to Knoxville, Tenn.

“There was a big difference when I went to that campus,” said Askew, a 6-foot, 230-pounder. “That stadium, all the people, I was like, 'Whoa.’ Everything just fit me: the coaches, the players, the defense. I just had to end it right there.”

Askew is the first Oscar Smith player in coach Richard Morgan’s seven seasons to commit to an SEC school. A number of Tigers have headed to college programs, many to the ACC. Senior linebacker Perry Jones earlier committed to Virginia, and 2008 graduates Todd Harrelson and Kerry Boykins are at North Carolina and Maryland, respectively.

Askew previously visited West Virginia, and he had scheduled a trip to Maryland for Oct. 18.

“It was crazy,” Askew said, referring to his recruitment. “It’s a hard decision, but once you make the decision that’s where it ends. Now, it’s a big relief. I can get on with my season and starting focusing on winning a state championship.”

Askew, regarded by recruiting services as one of the nation’s top linebackers, last season had 120 tackles – 24 for loss – and 14 sacks, and was named first-team All-Tidewater. He’s rated the No. 7 linebacker and No. 77 player overall on the Rivals 100.

“He’s a rare combination of size and speed and athletic ability that you don’t see in high school football much,” Morgan said. “They’re getting a terrific linebacker and a great kid.”

Jami Frankenberry, (757) 446-2295 or jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com