The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s football program again has benefited from a former Navy commitment’s decision to transfer.
Two-way lineman Chris “Tra” Palmer started every game on the defensive line for the Naval Prep School last season but has decided to transfer to UTC, where he likely will compete to join the offensive line rotation.
Palmer will be the fourth player on the Mocs’ 2014 roster to have transferred from the Naval Academy’s program, joining offensive lineman Chris Mayes, defensive lineman Daniel Ring and receiver James Stovall.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Palmer, who had been recruited by the Mocs while he was an all-state lineman at Collins Hill (Ga.) High, chose UTC over offers from Middle Tennessee State and Georgia State and will count as part of the 2014 signing class, which was already ranked No. 1 among FCS programs.
“I already knew some of their coaches and liked them from before,” Palmer said. “And when I visited there, my parents loved everything about the program and so did I. It just felt comfortable, and I had a bond right away with some of their players.