Knoxville paper reports Marve done deal

Robert Marve's search for a new school apparently is over. Or is it?

The former Miami and Plant High quarterback will walk on at the University of Tennessee, GoVolsXtra.com reported today. However, Plant coach Robert Weiner told The Tampa Tribune the report from the Knoxville (Tenn.) newspaper was not accurate.

"That is definitely not confirmed," Weiner said "He has not committed anywhere and is still in the final decision making process."

On Wednesday, the Tampa Tribune reported Marve was leaning toward walking on at UT over a scholarship offer from Purdue after Marve visited Tennessee's campus last week.

Marve had several options where he could transfer - he also had a scholarship offer from USF - but narrowed his choices to Tennessee and Purdue.

When Marve initially 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 a "restricted" school 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, will have to pay his own way at UT for the 2009-10 school year. He may be placed on scholarship for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the two years he will be eligible to play for the Volunteers.

Four weeks ago, Weiner told the Tribune that Marve had narrowed his choices to Purdue, USF, Nebraska, Arizona State and Texas Tech.

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.