Jarnell Stokes commits to Tennessee basketball

After being denied eligibility at Southwind this season following a transfer, Jarnell Stokes opted to begin his college basketball career early.

Stokes, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward, announced Thursday that he is headed to the University of Tennessee, where he plans to enroll in January and play this season.

Prior to his decision to fast-track enrollment, Stokes was rated the No. 15 prospect in the Class of 2012 by MaxPreps. He helped club team Memphis YOMCA reach the finals of the Nike Peach Jam over the summer and played at Memphis Central High School as a junior.

The Volunteers are 4-6 this season and have dropped four of their last five outings under first-year head coach Cuonzo Martin.