Marve 'leaning toward' Vols over Purdue

Former University of Miami quarterback Robert Marve is considering walking on at the University of Tennessee instead of accepting a scholarship to Purdue, sources with knowledge of Marve's decision told The Tampa Tribune.

The former Plant High star had several options where he could transfer, including scholarship offers from Purdue and the University of South Florida, located in his hometown of Tampa, but instead is leaning toward UT. Marve was in Knoxville, Tenn., this week visiting the school.

When Marve announced he was transferring from Miami, UM didn't "release" Marve to several schools, including Tennessee, Florida and LSU. So the only way Marve can attend one of the restricted schools in the 2009-10 school year is as a walk-on, non-scholarship student-athlete.

Marve, who would be ineligible to play at UT this fall because of the NCAA's transfer rule, would have to pay his own way for the 2009-10 school year but may be placed on scholarship for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the two years he will be eligible to play for the Volunteers.

Plant High coach Robert Weiner and Eugene Marve, Marve's father, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Four weeks ago, Weiner told the Tribune that Marve had narrowed his choices to Purdue, USF, Nebraska, Arizona State and Texas Tech, and he visited all five schools. Two weeks ago, ESPN.com reported Purdue was Marve's "clear top choice," but Weiner refuted that report, telling the Tribune no decision had been made.

Marve's decision to walk-on at Tennessee might come as a surprise to some, but the Volunteers only have three quarterbacks on their 2009 roster and two of those are seniors. Also, Eugene Marve, who played 11 NFL seasons, played for Vols' new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin in 1984 and 1985 when Kiffin was a Buffalo Bills assistant.

A former Mr. Florida Football, Marve threw for 1,293 yards, nine TDs and 13 interceptions at Miami last year but was suspended for the Hurricanes' bowl game because of academics. In December, Marve announced he was transferring from Miami, but the school initially prohibited him from transferring to any ACC, SEC or state school.

UM later said Marve could transfer to any SEC school - except for UT, UF or LSU - and also added USF and UCF as possible destinations.