Northwest's Shatar McClay commits to Tennessee on his birthday

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story that ran online in Thursday's edition had the incorrect age for Northwest High football star Shatar McClay. McClay, who verbally committed to the University of Tennessee, is 18.

Northwest High football star Shatar McClay celebrated his 18th birthday Thursday with a major decision.

McClay committed to play football at Tennessee, announcing his decision with a Twitter post.

"I had already made up my mind," McClay said. "I talked to my mom a while ago and I told her that I was going to make a decision on my birthday."

McClay said that he's been a lifelong Volunteers fan and that his decision was made "as soon as they offered me a scholarship."

"They were the first to offer," he said. "I waited awhile to see what else was out there, but really it's been about Tennessee from the beginning. The program showed me love, and I want to show that same love back to them."

The 6-foot, 185-pound junior has watched the recruiting circuit heat up considerably since the end of the high school season last fall. He's also received offers from Indiana, Western Kentucky and Samford, while Kentucky, Memphis and Texas A&M have shown interest.

"It's the culture, the atmosphere and the fans at UT," McClay said. "We have some die-hard fans, and those fans have also shown me love. There isn't really anything negative about the program at all and it's the place for me."

McClay said he wanted to make a decision before the summer so that his mind would be clear as his senior season approaches next fall.

"I could have waited, but there was no real reason to," he added. "I knew from the jump where I wanted to be and this is it."

McClay said he knows he'll continue to be recruited and that offers may continue to pour in, but he is a firm commit with Tennessee.

"I'm all in," he said. "This is a solid decision. It's where I want to be and where I want to play my college ball."

If McClay signs with UT he'll be the second player from Montgomery County in the past five years to sign with the Vols. Former Northeast High standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin played four years in Knoxville at linebacker.

McClay was primarily a wide receiver and defensive back at Northwest this past season and the team's kick and punt returner. The Vikings finished the season 6-5 and secured their first playoff appearance since 2009.

McClay was named to The Leaf-Chronicle/Legends Bank All Area Football Team after totaling 13 touchdowns. He had 36 receptions for 746 yards with a 19.6 yards per catch average. He also finished with 21 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble as well as two punt return touchdowns.

Reach prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or 931-245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.