Two defensive prospects committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program's 2018 signing class late Tuesday evening.
Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) outside linebacker Simon Miskelley and Cartersville (Ga.) middle linebacker Nyvin "Buster" Nelson made nonbinding pledges to the program, giving the Mocs 10 commitments for next season. In addition, Mississippi State offensive lineman Harrison Moon recently announced his intention to transfer to UTC and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Miskelley had 127 tackles (16 for loss), a pair of interceptions, a pass breakup and a blocked field goal in 2017 for the Huskies, who finished 11-1 after falling to Hoover in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs. He is the second player from his program to commit to UTC for 2018, joining tight end Logan Pitts, who had 49 catches for 978 yards and 13 touchdowns this season after pledging to the Mocs in the summer.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Nelson was part of a 41-game winning streak for Cartersville. That streak and the Purple Hurricanes' try at a third consecutive Class 4A state championship ended when they lost to Blessed Trinity in the second round of the playoffs this month.
Like Miskelley, Nelson is the second player from his school to commit to UTC for 2018. Purple Hurricanes receiver T.J. Horten, who had teams highs of 51 catches and 707 yards to go along with 10 touchdowns (tied for the team lead) committed in October.
The commitments address an area of need for UTC. Two of the Mocs' leading tacklers this season were inside linebackers Tae Davis (first with 74 total tackles) and Dale Warren (10th with 35), and both were seniors.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.