The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program has picked up another commitment for its 2020 recruiting class, with John Prince from Georgia's Stockbridge High School set to fill an area of need for the Mocs.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Prince averaged seven tackles a game while playing defensive end to help Stockbrige go 8-3 and reach the GHSA Class AAAAA playoffs this fall, but he could play outside linebacker for UTC, which will lose senior starters on the defensive line and in the linebacker corps after this season.
"I can bring speed, athleticism and power to the field," said Prince, who had a career-high 14 tackles against Georgia prep power Carver-Atlanta this year. "It doesn't matter where I play. As far as my skills go, linebacker would be best, but if I add weight I could play up front. Wherever they put me is fine with me. I just want to play."
Prince had offers from FBS programs Bowling Green and Miami (Ohio) in addition to 12 FCS offers, with UTC joined by East Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State among others. He visited UTC for homecoming against Western Carolina and knew he had found a home.
"I committed in my mind right there," said Prince, who will make his official campus visit next month. "Other schools were saying they wanted to see me play and weren't sure about my size, but UTC showed me love and respect from the start."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.