The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program picked up a commitment Sunday night from Christian Smith, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle from Trussville, Ala.
Smith is ranked as the No. 52 prospect in the state of Alabama. He was a two-star prospect who had offers from 11 other programs, including Big Ten member Illinois and fellowo Football Bowl Subdivision programs Appalachian State, Georgia State and Troy.
He played at Hewitt-Trussville, where he had 66 tackles, 18 for lost yardage, three sacks and 16 hurries in 2016, earning second-team all-state honors. His team went 11-1, falling in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
He had 66 tackles (nine for loss) and five sacks in 2015 and was a second-team all-state selection in 2014 at Class 4A Leeds High School, where he helped his team win a state championship.
He becomes the Mocs' 16th commitment for the 2017 signing class, the eighth defensive player and second defensive lineman, joining Valdosta (Ga.) defensive end Devonnsha Maxwell, who also committed over the weekend. In addition, Mississippi State transfer Nick Tiano has pledged to join the program.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.