Dustin ChristianOne of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s top area commitments, Calhoun (Ga.) High School running back Dustin Christian, will not sign with the Mocs on Wednesday.
Christian, a speedy 5-foot-9, 185-pound back who was the Times Free Press’ North Georgia Player of the Year, has not yet qualified academically, Calhoun coach Hal Lamb said.
However, Christian could sign by the end of the school year and still join the Mocs for the 2011 season, or he could “grayshirt” and enroll next January after taking classes part-time in the fall. Christian’s five-year eligibility window wouldn’t begin until he became a full-time student.
“I think he’ll make it before next fall, but if he doesn’t a grayshirt is a possibility,” Lamb said. “We had an hourlong meeting last week with [UTC recruiting coordinator Geep Wade] and counselors and me and his mom, so he knows what he’s got to do. It’s just a matter of him getting it done.”
Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com, Christian helped lead Calhoun to the Georgia Class AA state championship game as a senior, when he rushed for 1,636 yards and 24 touchdowns. A three-year starter, he rushed for more than 4,000 yards in his Yellow Jackets career.