The football transfer train keeps rolling into Chattanooga, and this time it's bringing one of the area's own to town.
Former Bradley Central High School star Jay Person is joining University of Tennessee at Chattanooga first-year coach Rusty Wright's defense. The linebacker, who will have four years of eligibility, was redshirted after signing with Football Bowl Subdivision member Appalachian State in 2017.
"The first time I saw Jay was at our 7-on-7 camp when he was a sophomore," Wright said in a UTC release Monday. "I continued to follow him through the recruiting process when he was in high school, and we are excited that he decided to come home to finish his collegiate career."
Person played in two games as an Appalachian State freshman after an all-state senior season at Bradley, which went 10-3 and reached the Class 6A state quarterfinals with him totaling 107 tackles (53 solo), 25 tackles for lost yardage and 14 sacks. He was voted Region 2 defensive player of the year and played in the 2017 Toyota East-West Football All-Star Classic.
The three-year starter finished his prep career with 270 tackles, 54 for loss and 24 sacks.
"Being back is a big deal for me and my family," said Person, who cited coaching changes at Appalachian State as the reason for his decision to transfer. "I just thought it would be best for me, and getting to come home makes it even better.
"I am going to do the most I can to help the team out and get us on the winning track. We'll get it done, no doubt."
Person is the fourth FBS transfer added to this year's defense in the last two weeks, joining fellow linebackers Kam Jones (Louisville) and Kayne Roberts (North Carolina) and defensive back T.J. Cammack (Navy) as new Mocs.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.