Tyndall lands guard Kevin Punter

When State Fair Community College guard Kevin Punter arrived in Knoxville on Friday, the 6-4, 170 pound guard quickly felt comfortable. It's that comfort level that has made him Donnie Tyndall's newest player.

Punter, who signed early on Monday, had never been to Knoxville before but he knew those who have taken over the Vol program.

"I already knew them and they knew me," said Punter, who announced his intentions on Twitter. "Coach Tyndall has been recruiting me since he was at Morehead State. So I have know him for a while and it was great growing our connection over the weekend. Coach Pinkins recruited me for Ole Miss and coach Howard was recruiting me with coach Tyndall at Southern Miss. So I saw a lot of familiar faces they are just in new places."

It's those familiar faces and opportunity in Knoxville that impressed Punter over the weekend and it's why he's a Vol.

"My recruitment has been crazy and so the connection with the coaches was important for me," Punter said. "The comfort level with academics was important for me and my family. We felt very comfortable with the academics there. And obviously they offer the opportunity to play early."

Punter, who has been committed to Missouri, was tentatively scheduled to see the Tigers new head coach Kim Anderson on Monday but chose not make the visit after visiting with his family on their way back from Tennessee yesterday afternoon/evening ending his recruitment this morning.

"The trip to Tennessee was great," Punter said. "The people, the atmosphere, the energy was all great. I can't imagine how good the atmosphere is when school is in session and all the students are there.

"I just had to get away from Tennessee and think everything through just to be sure. I felt like Tennessee was the right place when I was there, but I just wanted to be sure. My family and I came to the conclusion last night (Sunday) that Tennessee was the best fit. I woke up this morning at peace with it and I'm happy that I'm a Vol."