Fils-Aime discusses Vol decision

Another day and another big time commitment for Butch Jones and his Tennessee football program. Naples, Florida running back Carlin Fils-Aime pulled the trigger on Thursday and put an end to his recruitment.

"It's just a beautiful campus and hanging with the coaches," Fils-Aime said. "I just fell in love with the place. I felt it was the place for me and my parents agreed. I was going to wait till later in the week and that caught my parents off guard, but they thought Tennessee was the right school for me."

Leading the way in the chase to land Fils-Aime was running backs coach Robert Gillespie. The third year Tennessee assistant has strong ties to the Sunshine State and that left an impression on the Florida native.

"He's a fun and energetic guy," Fils-Aime said of Gillespie. "He hangs out with his players. He brought over his daughter on my visit and we just had fun. He has three kids and is a family guy. That means a lot to me and he even sent me a pic of his newborn when she was born."

Fils-Aime picks Tennessee over Auburn, Georgia and several other top level programs. In the end, it was Tennessee's pitch and what they had to offer that made a big difference.

"I think Tennessee offers so much," Fils-Aime said. "Our high school actually runs a very similar offense. They did a nice job of presenting everything that Tennessee brings to the table. They showed me how I would be involved as a running back. I also hope to be a factor on special teams."

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Fils-Aime is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He is constantly working to perfect his craft.

"I feel like I bring an all around game," Fils-Aime said. "I think I have good vision. It all started in pop warner. I was able to see holes open at the last second and make the adjustment. I know I've got to continue to improve. I'm working on my hands some and I want to get faster and stronger."

Tennessee hopes the duo of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara will be special in the backfield this fall before Fils-Aime arrives in 2016. They will lean on the ground game and Fils-Aime believes Tennessee is close to breaking through in a big way.

"Every year they are improving," Fils-Aime said. "Sooner or later they will be competing to win the SEC and I feel like it's real close. Coach Jones and his staff are doing a great job. They are all awesome. I had to be away from my girlfriend for a month and I was missing her. I told him that and he said they felt the same way about me when I'm not in Knoxville."

Rivals.com ranks Fils-Aime as a 3-star running back in the class of 2016.