KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- McDonald's and Parade All-American Scotty Hopson has committed to playing at Tennessee next season.

Hopson, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound shooting guard at University Heights Academy in Hopkinsville, Ky., is rated the ninth-best high school player in the nation by Rivals.com.

"It felt like the right thing for me," Hopson told The Knoxville News Sentinel. "I've always liked Tennessee growing up."

Hopson, who is the first McDonald's All-American to announce he'd play at Tennessee since Vincent Yarbrough committed in August 1997, will help fill a void at guard for the Vols, who lose their top two scorers in Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith.

Hopson averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.

"I'll have to work hard for all of my minutes," Hopson said. "I talked to Chris and he was real honest with me in telling me what to expect and how tough it's going to be."

The Vols have already signed wing Renaldo Woolridge, son of former NBA player Orlando Woolridge, and center Philip Jurick.

Hopson can sign as early as April 16, the first day of the spring signing period. He said he plans to enroll at Tennessee in the summer and participate in the summer Pilot Rocky Top League.

Hopson originally committed to Mississippi State and said he also considered Louisville, Cincinnati and Kentucky.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.