[Note by Joel, 02/03/10 7:45 AM EST ] GVX, by text, says it's official.
Marques Pair made the expected official today when he gave his letter of intent to the Volunteers. Despite being recruited by the former staff, Pair held firm to Tennessee through the coaching transition and was not expected to waver at the end.
With Pair, the Vols get a very athletic and well-coached offensive lineman who needs to add weight and strength. He will inevitably fill out his 6'-6" frame to ideal SEC levels for offensive tackle, but is currently around 270 lbs. and needing a few more bowls of Wheaties before he gets there.
Pair will most likely redshirt his freshman year as he continues to bulk up and increase in size, but will provide much needed depth and talent to the offensive line for four years afterwards. The Sumter, South Carolina native has a real chance to be a long-term anchor on the line for the Vols.