McCallie's Alex Trotter picks UTC

February 2, 2015 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated February 1, 2015 at 9:31 p.m.

by Stephen Hargis

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The combination of on-field and off-the-field intangibles make Alex Trotter one of the most coveted prospects remaining on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recruiting board. After discussing his options with family members, the McCallie running back committed to the Mocs over the weekend, giving the coaching staff reason to feel even better about an already impressive class.
photo UTC Mocs logo
photo McCallie School's Alex Trotter (4) outsprints Brentwood Academy defenders to score a touchdown during their game on Oct. 10, 2014.

"It's getting close to signing day so I sat down with my mom and family we talked about my options," said Trotter, who had narrowed his choices to UTC and West Point. "I wanted to stay closer to home, be a part of this community and a program that is headed in the right direction.

"UTC has a lot of players back from a team that could have gone farther in the playoffs and maybe even played for a national championship. I want to be a part of that. I'll be ready to play as much as they need me to once I get there."

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Trotter ran for a school-record 2,260 yards last season, which was also more than 500 yards more than the next closest running back in Division II-AA. He is the 14th overall commitment for this year's UTC signing class but the first running back and only the second Chattanooga-area player, joining East Hamilton defensive back Martez Durrah. The Mocs hope to add at least 1-2 more running backs to this class.

Also one of McCallie's top track sprinters, Trotter has been electronically timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

"He's one of the fastest players I've ever coached, but he's not just a speed guy," McCallie coach Ralph Potter said. "He's really strong, especially in his lower body and can squat about two-and-a-half times his body weight, which makes him a good inside runner. There were lots of times that there wouldn't be much of a hole for him to run through but he'd get four or five yards just by driving the pile back with his legs.

"I think he's a great fit at UTC. On the field, he has great speed, vision, power and he catches the ball well, and off the field he's also a great leader. He was overwhelmingly our captain and will hold guys in the locker room accountable. I've really enjoyed watching him mature and become not only a great player but an even better young man."

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.

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