After previously committing to Appalachian State, Bradley Central defensive end Tucker Bolton changed his mind and decided he will attend Eastern Kentucky University, a Football Championship Subdivision school in Richmond, Ky.
Bolton finished with 102 tackles, 31.5 for loss with 10.5 sacks for the Bears, who finished 9-3 and advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. He noted a trip to EKU this past weekend changed his mind and ultimately, his decision.
“I had been talking to them for a while,” Bolton said, “I committed to Appy State, but it didn’t feel like home to me.
“When I took the trip to Eastern Kentucky, I knew that was where I wanted to be.”
Bolton, who also wrestles at Bradley, mentioned he will likely redshirt, with intentions on adding weight to his 220-pound frame. He played football at 245 pounds this past season but said the EKU coaching staff plans on beefing up to 265 pounds.
Eagles sign area seven
Carson-Newman was by far the most active program in and around Chattanooga, signing seven area players.
Among them were Boyd-Buchanan offensive lineman Brett Bonner, Ooltewah running back Randall Freman and quarterback Goose Manning, Signal Mountain linebacker Gervell Morgan, East Hamilton offensive lineman Mack Norman, Ridgeland defensive lineman Aaron Ragsdale and Panthers’ offensive lineman Tyler Scott.
Joining Norman as East Hamilton’s first-ever college football signees was kicker Logan Cornelius, who signed with Tusculum University.
Bennett to Cumberland
Bradley Central athlete Chandler Bennett signed papers to continue his football career at Cumberland University.
Bennett, a first-team Best of Preps punter, played quarterback, tailback, receiver, linebacker, defensive end, safety and nose guard for the Bears. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder said that he will definitely start off playing special teams at Cumberland, but doesn’t know where else he might play.
His versatility was a problem Bradley coach Damon Floyd had to deal with, as well.
“It wasn’t fair for him, but he could play so many positions,” Floyd said. “The good thing about him is that he plays multiple positions, which provides another great option for a team.”
Floyd noted that Bennett scored a 29 on the ACT and will receive a partial academic scholarship as well.