Rusty Wright’s first real shot at college football’s early signing period as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s head coach was, by his own admission, a rousing success.
The Mocs signed 14 players Wednesday – 11 incoming freshmen and three transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision programs – and eight of them are expected to enroll in January. Wright, a former UTC player and assistant, was hired last December during the early signing period, meaning most of the Mocs’ signees for the 2019 class weren’t picked up until this past February in the traditional signing period.
Coming off a 6-6 finish in Wright’s first season in charge, when the Mocs contended for a share of the Southern Conference championship, UTC was able to fill some of its more immediate roster needs and build for the future by keeping a trio of area stars home – and getting another former local standout to come back to town.
(Read more: Get to know the newest UTC Mocs)
Red Bank’s Lucas Brown makes a 50-yard touchdown catch during the Lions’ Aug. 23 game at Soddy-Daisy. Brown, a versatile athlete who also stars in basketball for the Lions, was one of 14 early signees for UTC’s football program Wednesday. / Staff photo by C.B. SchmelterAmong the signees are Red Bank senior athlete Lucas Brown, Baylor School tight end Christian Martin, Ringgold offensive lineman Reid Williams and former McCallie defensive line star Giovanni Reviere.