KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Jarnell Stokes, a five-star recruit from Memphis, was in Knoxville on Thursday to take in the Vols game and get acquainted with his future teammates.

Stokes is head coach Cuonzo Martin's first signature recruit, and although the 6' 8" power forward was first contacted by former coach Bruce Pearl he says he was really impressed with coach Martin.

"Well when Bruce Pearl first left, I was high on Bruce Pearl, when he first left I wasn't feeling Tennessee, and I ended up picking up the phone and talking to coach Martin and it was a very engaging conversation, and I enjoyed talking to him and his faith in God and thats when I first decided to take a visit here, and I mean who knew its not who starts the race its who finishes it."

Now that his mind is made up and his decision is final pending paperwork the seventeen year old from Southwind high school in Memphis says he can't wait to get to Rocky Top. "It's a blessing, everyone is hyped about me coming down here, about me being a part of a great rebuilding process here. I'm a winner, I've never been a loser so I plan on winning here. I can't wait, as soon as I made a commitment I reached out to some of the guys and got their numbers and started the process of getting to know them. I'm just looking forward to practice."