Drae Bowles wasted no time in turning the page to begin a new chapter in his life. Having already decided to transfer from Tennessee to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Bowles rode back from Jacksonville with his parents after the TaxSlayer Bowl Saturday, packed his belongings in Knoxville and immediately returned to Chattanooga.
By the time he had settled into his new apartment it was 2:30 a.m. but he was back up early Sunday morning to begin filling out scholarship papers, registering for class and buying books.
Jackson Christian School’s Drae Bowles put on a University of Tennessee cap after signing his letter of intent to play football at UT during a National Signing Day ceremony. (KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)“I’m excited to get started in a new home and school,” Bowles said. “I had a great three years at Tennessee. It was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. The coaching staff were tremendous, and I will always be appreciative of everything the staff did for me.
“I left because I wanted to find a better opportunity to contribute more to a team. I didn’t even look at any other schools. Coach (Will) Healy had recruited me in high school, and because of that relationship I trusted him and that brought me here. This was the best fit for me and my family and I appreciate the staff here giving me another opportunity. I feel blessed beyond words to get to further my football career.”
TRANSFER TREASURES
UTC picked up three transfers from FBS programs on Sunday, including two from UAB and another from Tennessee. Here are five notable FBS transfers for the Mocs under Russ Huesman: B.J. Coleman (QB) transferred from Tennessee: The McCallie graduate’s return home sparked excitement for the program, and he rewrote many of the Mocs passing records. Derrick Lott (DL) transferred from Georgia: After being plagued by injury early in his career, he was unblockable at times last season for the Mocs and has been invited to the NFL Draft combine. Kevin Revis (OL) transferred from Tennessee: Started all but one game over his three-year career with the Mocs. Daniel Ring (DL) transferred from Navy: Became a starter this season on arguably the FCS level’s top defensive front. Chris Mayes (OL) transferred from Navy: Moved from defensive line in the spring and became a key starter on the offensive front.
A former four-star prospect when he was at Jackson Christian School, the 6-foot, 206-pound Bowles was a U.S. Army All American and selected to the ESPNU150, meaning he was one of the top 150 prep prospects in the nation his senior year.
“We knew about him coming out of high school, the type kid he is as far as his commitment to academics and the type character he has,” Mocs coach Russ Huesman said. “We offered him in high school knowing we had no shot, but the fact that this was the place he wanted to come once he decided to leave Tennessee says a lot about the relationship we had because of the way our staff recruited him before.
“I know he’s talented, but we haven’t seen much film of him since he’s been at Tennessee, so we’ll see how much and where he can help us once we begin spring practice.”
Bowles was part of UT’s 2012 signing class and redshirted his first season there. Last year he saw action in two games for the Vols, playing against Utah State and ironically enough UTC.
He will have two years of eligibility remaining at UTC.
“The program here is headed in the right direction,” Bowles said. “The playoff run and all the positives and success going on here has me excited. It made me want to be a part of it.
“Me playing against SEC competition will help me to help the team here, and I’m excited to get started.”
Two other players who had committed to transferring to UTC in recent weeks also made it official Sunday. Former UAB players Steve Pickren, a 6-5, 255-pound tight end, and Hunter Kennedy, a 6-4, 275-pound offensive lineman, enrolled in classes and will begin working out with the team immediately.
“We came in thinking we wanted to sign a transfer for immediate help at tight end and Steve gives us a very physical presence there,” Huesman said. “We believe Hunter will come in and compete right away to become a starter or give us depth on the line.
“The big thing for all three of those kids is that we’ll have them here for winter conditioning and spring practice. We feel really good because all three are quality kids from great families that we know will fit in with the rest of our team really well.”
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.