Ex-Moc Harr gets Chiefs deal

photo In this file photo, Chris Harr poses for a portrait in the UTC locker room. Harr signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.

Chris Harr didn't have to wait long after the NFL lockout ended to find out if he could sign with a team as an undrafted free agent.

The former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga left tackle signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday and flew out to join his new team the same day. Harr said he talked with five teams before deciding on the Chiefs.

"They've been after me since the beginning, and they really like me," he said. "It's a good opportunity there, and I just thought it was the best fit for me."

Harr said the Chiefs began showing an interest in him after the 2010 season opener against Appalachian State.

As a true freshman in 2007, Harr began his UTC career as a tight end. After the season he was moved to left tackle, and before his sophomore season then-coach Rodney Allison predicted that Harr would have a shot at the NFL if he could put on enough weight.

Harr arrived at UTC from Notre Dame High School as a lean 6-foot-4, 235-pounder. He's now over 300 pounds.

"Coach Allison told a scout, 'If he puts on weight, he's going to go,'" Harr said, "so I always kind of had that in my head."

The Chiefs report to training camp Thursday.

Media picks UTC 4th

Just like the Southern Conference coaches, the league's media picked the Mocs to finish fourth in the standings this season.

The SoCon released the media's preseason poll Tuesday and Georgia Southern was picked to win the league. Appalachian State was picked second, followed by Wofford. ASU and Wofford were co-champions last season.

The Eagles received half of the 30 first-place votes, Appalachian State had 13 and the Terriers received two.

Craig officially done

Senior defensive tackle Nick Craig's football career is officially over because of a knee injury, Mocs coach Russ Huesman said. Craig, who had 20 career starts, had knee surgery before spring practice and later was diagnosed with a degenerative condition that eventually could require knee-replacement surgery.

Huesman also said offensive lineman Nick Gipson "may not" be returning to the team. Gipson played in four games in 2008, missed 2009 with a knee injury and played in four games last season. Huesman said the decision would be Gipson's.

Upcoming Events