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Five commit to UTC football

Tom Arth enters the Stadium Club Tuesday to speak to fans, the media and attending players for the first meeting as the new Chattanooga Mocs head football coach midday at Finley Stadium.
Tom Arth enters the Stadium Club Tuesday to speak to fans, the media and attending players for the first meeting as the new Chattanooga Mocs head football coach midday at Finley Stadium. Tom Arth enters the Stadium Club Tuesday to speak to fans, the media and attending players for the first meeting as the new Chattanooga Mocs head football coach midday at Finley Stadium.

By Gene Henley 2 min read

With national signing day now nine days away, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program took a big step toward solidifying its 2017 class with a big weekend.

Seven recruits made official visits and five committed, with three of those defensive backs. A sixth player, offensive lineman Clayton McConnell, reaffirmed his decision to attend UTC.

McConnell, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Foley, Ala., was previously committed to former coach Russ Huesman’s staff. He was named Class AAAAAAA second-team all-state.

Two of the new commitments came from Cairo, Ga., in Jamal Thomas, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound free safety, and outside linebacker Jahsari Patterson (6-0, 201).

Thomas had 46 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception for the Syrupmakers, who finished 11-2 this past season while reaching the GHSA Class AAAA quarterfinals. He also blocked two punts and a field goal.