With national signing day now nine days away, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program took a big step toward solidifying its 2017 class with a big weekend.
Seven recruits made official visits and five committed, with three of those defensive backs. A sixth player, offensive lineman Clayton McConnell, reaffirmed his decision to attend UTC.
McConnell, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Foley, Ala., was previously committed to former coach Russ Huesman's staff. He was named Class AAAAAAA second-team all-state.
Two of the new commitments came from Cairo, Ga., in Jamal Thomas, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound free safety, and outside linebacker Jahsari Patterson (6-0, 201).
Thomas had 46 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception for the Syrupmakers, who finished 11-2 this past season while reaching the GHSA Class AAAA quarterfinals. He also blocked two punts and a field goal.
Patterson finished with 105 tackles (seven for loss), two sacks, nine quarterback pressures and an interception.
Crisp County defensive back Brandon Dowdell (5-10, 198) chose UTC over offers from Football Bowl Subdivision programs Georgia Southern, Georgia State, South Alabama and Western Kentucky. He had seven interceptions and eight passes defended to go with 39 tackles while adding 631 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns this past season.
Valdosta defensive end Devonnsha Maxwell was a Class AAAAAA All-State selection for the 14-2 state champions, finishing with 69 tackles (10 for loss), 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Ronnie Collins (6-2, 175), a defensive back from Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla., had 50 tackles, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns for the 7-4 Tigers. He earned second-team All-First Coast honors.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.