While no University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football players saw their names scroll across the TV screen during the NFL draft this weekend, three former Mocs are receiving opportunities to continue their playing careers at the next level.
Offensive lineman McClendon Curtis signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, while defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell did the same with the Cincinnati Bengals and linebacker Ty Boeck was invited to the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie minicamp on May 5.
In 2022, Curtis received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the Southern Conference. The Chattanooga native and former Central High School standout was also a Football Championship Subdivision All-American in his final season with the Mocs and was a four-time All-SoCon selection during his career.
Maxwell’s 37.5 career sacks set a record for UTC and the Socon, and he was the 2021 SoCon defensive player of the year and a three-time FCS All-American.
Boeck, a prep star in Soddy-Daisy before joining the Mocs, was a three-time All-SoCon selection who finished his UTC career with 325 tackles, sixth in program history.
In addition, former Marion County standout and East Tennessee State University running back Jacob Saylors signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Bengals. Saylors was a two-time All-American who finished his ETSU career with 3,851 rushing yards, 6,058 all-purpose yards and 36 total touchdowns.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.