Rusty Wright, who was hired as the UTC football program’s head coach last month, speaks with Mocs quarterback Nick Tiano after Wright’s introductory press conference on Dec. 21 in Chattanooga. Wright and his assistants began a busy stretch Thursday as they resumed recruiting ahead of the start of the traditional signing period next month.The meet-and-greets are over, the hiring mostly finished and the roster evaluations completed. It’s time for the new University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coaching staff to hit the road.
There are less than 30 days for head coach Rusty Wright and his staff to add to a recruiting class that currently has three members. Running back Ailym Ford signed during the early period last month and Brentwood High School athlete Avery Williams signed after Wright’s hiring in December. The Mocs recently added quarterback Drayton Arnold, who transferred from Old Dominion.
So as the recruiting dead period ended Thursday, the Mocs’ staff – on a day when two coaches were added – was out to make up ground.
“We’re looking at every area,” Wright said. “We’ve got quarterback needs, running back needs, O-line needs. I think the only spot on offense we aren’t looking to sign someone is at tight end. All those guys are back for the next two years at least.
“Defensively, we’ve got to get them from the front to the back in every spot. The one spot I think is OK is corner. This class is going to be so stressed to get perfect fits.”