Stewart joins 2011 Mocs class

Darian Stewart became the 21st member of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team's 2011 signing class Monday.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder from Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Ga., was rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. He will move to defensive end at UTC after playing linebacker most of his career.

Stewart visited UTC last Friday.

"He knows he's going to be a defensive end, and he's kind of similar to [Tennessee transfer] Chris Donald," Mocs coach Russ Huesman said Monday. "He's receptive, he liked Chattanooga when he came on his visit, and I think it's a good get for us."

Stewart is about the same size as Donald, who was converted to defensive end after beginning spring practice last year at linebacker. Donald went on to lead UTC with 7.5 sacks last season.

Stewart faxed in his letter of intent Monday morning after signing it over the weekend. He finished his senior season with 60 tackles and two sacks.

Huesman said he didn't expect the Mocs were going to sign another high school player, but he wouldn't rule it out completely.

"I can't say for sure," he said. "We're getting so many calls and e-mails now from kids that slid under the radar that you just never know."

In the meantime, Huesman and his staff have turned their attention to spring practice, which starts Feb. 23. UTC's players are doing conditioning and practicing on their own at Scrappy Moore Field three days a week.

Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6268.

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