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Vols might lose Locke

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By BILL WARD

wward@tampatrib.com

Published: May 21, 2009

TAMPA - Chamberlain High senior Dentarius Locke, The Tampa Tribune's boys track and field athlete of the year the past three seasons and the prep state record holder in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, said Wednesday he will ask for his release from the University of Tennessee following the retirement of Vols coach Bill Webb.

Locke signed a national letter of intent with Tennessee this year but says Webb's sudden retirement has jeopardized the future of Vols assistant Norbert Elliott, who coaches sprints, hurdles and jumps. If Elliott is retained on the staff of the next Tennessee coach, Locke says he will honor his commitment with the school.

If Elliott is not on staff - or not given a commitment within the coming weeks - Locke said he will attend another school. He said he would consider Florida State, Clemson and Louisiana State, with FSU being the frontrunner.

"It's hard thinking about starting the whole recruiting process over again, but I have to keep my options open," Locke said.

"I want to be at Tennessee, but when the new coach comes in, he may want to have a whole new staff."

Webb unexpectedly announced his retirement at the conclusion of last week's Southeastern Conference championships. He has been with the Vols 24 years and was their head coach the past 14 seasons.

According to Locke's mentor and private coach, Hansford Johnson, Tennessee expects to announce Webb's replacement after the NCAA championships June 10-13. He said Locke had hoped to be enrolled in summer school in Knoxville by early July. If Tennessee delays its decision on Elliott, Johnson said Locke would be forced to attend college elsewhere.

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