University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head coach Russ Huesman announced the Mocs' 2011 football recruiting class today. The Mocs will welcome 20 new faces to the Scenic City next season as UTC continues to "Restore the Glory" to Chattanooga football.
Huesman, who is entering his third season leading the Mocs, brought in back-to-back No. 9 rated recruiting classes in the FCS according to Rivals.com, in 2009 and 2010. However, this group could be even more highly-regarded than the two previous classes.
“Like everybody else in the country, I like our class right now,” stated Huesman. “I think this is a good class. Just looking at all of the other schools that were recruiting the kids we signed, I think that is a good indication of how we did. There were some tough battles and our coaches did a great job. Recruiting coordinator Geep Wade did a good job putting things together and I think we got a bunch of good football players and strong student-athletes.”
Consisting of 19 freshmen and one transfer, the 2011 haul could have an immediate impact on the team. Not surprising since the coaching staff has had two full seasons to work the recruiting trails.
Continuing with Huesman's recruiting philosophy, the Mocs focused on high school seniors except for the sole transfer who will look to fit into the UTC system. Sean Stackhouse (6-4, 255) comes from Kentucky and is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. He is currently enrolled at UTC and will look to fill the slot at tight end left by the graduation of 2010 All-SoCon starter Garrett Hughes. Stackhouse comes in as a junior and will have two years left to play.
Also currently enrolled at UTC is freshman Shaun Hill (6-2, 255). Hill graduated early from Apalachee High School in Bethlehem, Ga., and is a full-time student. He is looking to land a spot at center for the Mocs.
The Mocs had three players sign from the Chattanooga area, highlighted by 2010 Tennessee Mr. Football Division II-AA Back of the Year Jacob Huesman. Huesman is a 6-1, 190-pound, dual-threat quarterback and son of head coach Russ Huesman. He led the Baylor School to the state championship game while accounting for nearly 3,000 yards of total offense.
He is joined by fellow Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen honorees Jarrod Coleman and Synjen Herren. Coleman (6-4, 240) is a tight end from the McCallie School in Chattanooga and the younger brother of quarterback B.J. Coleman. Herren is a two-time all-region offensive lineman from Northwest Whitfield High School in nearby Dalton, Ga.
The Mocs signed a total of four players from the state of Tennessee, including Coleman, Huesman, Troy Dye (Hendersonville, Tenn.) and Taharin Tyson (Alcoa, Tenn.). Dye is a 6-3, 245-pound tight end and all-district pick from Hendersonville High School. He led the Commandos to the Tennessee 5A state title game as a senior.
Tyson is one of five two-star recruits on the Mocs list and hails from Alcoa, Tenn. He is a three-time all-state performer who put up over 1,000 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns while leading the Tornados to their seventh–straight state championship.
Hill and Herren are two of the seven members of the class from Georgia. This group is led by three-star product Kendrix Huitt from Atlanta. Huitt (5-9, 190) is a powerful running back out of Norcross High School who ran for nearly 1,000 yards as a senior.
Tommy Hudson (5-10, 160) is an all-state receiver from Moultrie, Ga. He led Colquitt County to the Georgia 5A state title game, breaking the state record with 102 catches on the year. He posted over 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, including 11 catches for 127 yards in the championship game.
Also hailing from Georgia are Marlandas Crane (Carrollton, Ga.), Josh Freeman (Atlanta, Ga.) and Tevin Stewart-Gaulden (Fitzgerald, Ga.). A three-time all-region receiver, Crane will be one of five Mocs from Carrollton High School when he joins the team in the fall. Former Moc Rayvan Teague is the head coach at Carrollton.
Freeman is a two-time all-region defensive tackle from Creekside High School while Stewart-Gaulden is a two-time all-state defensive back and the Region 1-AA Defensive Player of the Year at Fitzgerald High School.
The Mocs also dipped down into Florida for a large portion of the 2011 class. Including Stackhouse, six members of this group are from the Sunshine State. Chattanooga picked off four honorees on the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60, including Cam Montgomery (Orlando, Fla.), Ron Moore (Sanford, Fla.), Clim Robbins (Orlando, Fla.) and T.J. Thompson (Sanford, Fla.).
Montgomery and Robbins are both two-star recruits from Jones High School in Orlando. Montgomery (6-1, 195) is a talented defensive back and was No. 25 on the Super60. He was the second-highest player on the list to pick an FCS team. Robbins (5-8, 160) is also a defensive back who came in at No. 51 on the Super60.
Moore and Thompson are also two-star recruits who led Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla., to a 36-7 record over the last three years and the 2008 6A state title. Moore (6-0, 165) is a receiver who had 37 catches for 702 yards and 10 touchdowns. Thompson (5-9, 170) was a Florida 6A Mr. Football Award Finalist as a defensive back.
Chattanooga also picked up Marquis Green (5-7, 175) from Palmetto, Fla. He is a two-time All-Manatee County running back who averaged 7.6 yards per carry as a senior.
The class is rounded out by a trio of Alabama student-athletes, including Toyvian Brand (Greensboro, Ala.), Sema’je Kendall (Huntsville, Ala.) and Brandon Morgan (Hoover, Ala.). Brand, a defensive end, and Morgan, an offensive lineman, were both all-state performers. Brand (6-2, 256) played for former Moc Adam Winegarden at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and led his team to the region-5 title. Morgan (6-2, 280) led Hoover High School in Hoover, Ala., to back-to-back state title games, including the 2009 6A championship. Kendall (5-11, 175) is a two-time member of the Huntsville Times Elite Eight at Buckhorn High School in Huntsville, Ala.
Don't forget to head out to the Stadium Club at 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) today for the FREE "Signing Day Celebration." All Mocs fans - and football fans in general - are invited to attend.
2011 Chattanooga Mocs Football Signees
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl.-Exp. Hometown (Last School)
Toyvian Brand DL 6-2 256 Fr.-HS Greensboro, Ala. (Hillcrest HS)
Jarrod Coleman TE 6-4 240 Fr.-HS Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie School)
Marlandas Crane WR 6-2 215 Fr.-HS Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)
Troy Dye TE 6-3 245 Fr.-HS Hendersonville, Tenn. (Hendersonville HS)
Josh Freeman DL 6-0 270 Fr.-HS Atlanta, Ga. (Creekside HS)
Marquis Green RB 5-7 175 Fr.-HS Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)
Synjen Herren OL 6-4 290 Fr.-HS Dalton, Ga. (Northwest Whitfield HS)
Shaun Hill OL 6-2 255 Fr.-EE Bethlehem, Ga. (Apalachee HS)
Tommy Hudson WR 5-10 160 Fr.-HS Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County HS)
Jacob Huesman QB 6-1 190 Fr.-HS Chattanooga, Tenn. (Baylor School)
Kendrix Huitt RB 5-9 190 Fr.-HS Atlanta, Ga. (Norcross HS)
Sema’je Kendall DB 5-11 175 Fr.-HS Huntsville, Ala. (Buckhorn HS)
Cam Montgomery DB 6-1 195 Fr.-HS Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)
Ron Moore WR 6-0 165 Fr.-HS Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Brandon Morgan OL 6-2 280 Fr.-HS Hoover, Ala. (Hoover HS)
Clim Robbins DB 5-8 160 Fr.-HS Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)
Sean Stackhouse TE 6-4 255 Jr.-TR Jacksonville, Fla. (Kentucky)
Tevin Stewart-Gaulden DB 5-9 185 Fr.-HS Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald HS)
T.J. Thompson DB 5-9 170 Fr.-HS Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Taharin Tyson FB 5-11 225 Fr.-HS Alcoa, Tenn. (Alcoa HS)
Quick Notes on Chattanooga's 2011 Recruiting Class
3 - From Alabama – Brand, Kendall, Morgan
6 - From Florida – Green, Montgomery, Moore, Robbins, Stackhouse, Thompson
7 - From Georgia – Crane, Freeman, Herren, Hill, Hudson, Huitt, Stewart-Gaulden
4 - From Tennessee – Coleman, Dye, Huesman, Tyson
3 - From the Chattanooga Area – Coleman, Herren, Huesman
13 - Offensive Players – Coleman, Crane, Dye, Green, Herren, Hill, Hudson, Huesman, Huitt, Moore, Morgan, Stackhouse, Tyson
7 - Defensive Players – Brand, Freeman, Kendall, Montgomery, Robbins, Stewart-Gaulden, Thompson
5 - Two-star recruits – Montgomery, Moore, Robbins, Thompson, Tyson
2 - Three-star recruit – Huitt, Stackhouse (2008)
1 - Transfers - Stackhouse
9 - With Academic Honors – Brand, Green, Herren, Hill, Hudson, Huesman, Moore, Morgan, Tyson
1 - Tennessee Mr. Football Award Winners – Huesman
9 - All-State – Brand, Coleman, Hill, Hudson, Huesman, Morgan, Robbins, Stewart-Gaulden, Tyson
3 - Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen – Coleman, Herren, Huesman
4 - Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60 – Montgomery, Moore, Robbins, Thompson
2 - Sets of High School Teammates – Montgomery-Robbins (Jones HS – Orlando, Fla.), Moore-Thompson (Seminole HS – Sanford, Fla.)
Toyvian Brand – DL - 6-2 – 256 - Fr.-HS - Greensboro, Ala. (Hillcrest HS)
All-state defensive end from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala … Alabama 6A All-State selection as a senior … led the Patriots to a 9-2 record and the region 5 title … played for head coach and former Moc Adam Winegarden … National Honor Society … totaled 13 sacks, 16 TFLs and 15 QBHs as a senior … named to the Tuscaloosa News West Alabama Super 11 … PERSONAL … son of Yaminah Williams … born Feb. 20, 1993 … has two younger brothers and a younger sister … plans to major in Engineering.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Toyvian Brand
“Toyvian was a guy we kind of got in on in the middle of the recruiting scene. Adam Winegarden, a former UTC football player, who is the coach at Hillcrest HS, called us about him. He is a big guy, 256 pounds, that can run. We think he should have been more heavily recruited. We are excited about being involved with him as late as we were getting in on him.”
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Jarrod Coleman – TE - 6-4 – 240 - Fr.-HS - Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie)
Two-time all-state player at Chattanooga’s McCallie School … played for head coach Rick Whitt … led the team in tackles as a defensive lineman/linebacker in each of the last three years … had 86 tackles as a senior … TSWA Division 2-AA All-State as a senior … also played baseball … selected to play in the Toyota East vs. West Tennessee All-Star game … member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … PERSONAL … full name is Jarrod Ross Coleman … son of Bryon and Anita Coleman … born March 23, 1992 … father played at UTC from 1977-80 and was a teammate of head coach Russ Huesman and assistant coach Russ Ehrenfeld … has an older brother, B.J., who is a quarterback for the Mocs … plans to major in Business.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Jarrod Coleman
"He was one of the first commitments of this class and hung in with us the whole time. He did not entertain any other offers that I know about. He is a big body that can run and is relentless on the football field. Great family with B.J. and Bryon playing here at Chattanooga. He is either going to be a defensive end or tight end. He is just a tough, hard-nosed player."
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Marlandas Crane – WR - 6-2 – 215 - Fr.-HS - Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)
Three-time all-area and all-region receiver from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ga … led the Trojans to a 34-6 mark over the last three years … played for head coach and former Moc Rayvan Teague … had 25 catches for six touchdowns in 2010 … led the team to a 14-1 mark and an appearance in the Georgia AAA state championship game … same high school as current Mocs Nick Craig, Chas Presnell, J.D. Dothard and Wes Dothard … PERSONAL … son of Mary and Lamon Crane … born July 4, 1992 … has one older brother, Louis … plans to major in Nursing.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Marlandas Crane
"At 6-2, 215 pounds, he is the mold of Marlon Anthony. We always like to get big, tall guys to play the X-receiver. Good football player from a great program. We had him in for a summer camp and just fell in love with him. We offered him way back then and had to continually work."
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Troy Dye – TE – 6-3 – 245 – Fr.-HS – Hendersonville, Tenn. (Hendersonville HS)
All-county and all-district selection at Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tenn … led the Commandos to an 11-4 mark and Tennessee’s 5A state title game as a senior … team captain for head coach Bruce Hatfield … first-team all-county as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore … four-year letter winner on the basketball team … PERSONAL … son of Laura and Charlie Dye … full name is Troy Lee Dye … has an older sister, Brittany, and a younger brother, Chad … plans to major in Health & Human Performance.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Troy Dye
"He will play tight end or defensive end and is a ball player. He likes football and he plays hard. Troy wanted to be here at UTC. His mom went to school here and his grandmother works in the ticket office here. He is going to be a great football player for us."
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Josh Freeman – DL - 6-0 – 270 - Fr.-HS - Atlanta, Ga. (Creekside HS)
Two-time all-region defensive tackle from Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga … led the team with 88 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior … second on the squad with 96 tackles as a junior … played for head coach Johnny White … led the Seminoles to an 8-2 mark as a senior … also competed in track & field for two seasons … PERSONAL … full name is Joshua LeAron Freeman … son of John and Beverly Freeman … born May 31, 1993 … has an older brother, John, and a younger brother, Justyn … plans to major in Psychology.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Josh Freeman
"Josh will play defensive tackle. He has an unbelievable motor. If he was 2 or 3 inches taller, he would have had a bunch more people looking at him. He is a kid that plays hard and loves football. He canceled a couple of trips, one to come here, and one after he came here."
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Marquis Green – RB – 5-7 – 175 – Fr.-HS – Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)
Two-time All-Manatee County following his junior and senior seasons at Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Fla … team offensive MVP as a junior and offensive back MVP as a senior for head coach Dave Marino … averaged 7.6 yards per carry … rushed for 604 yards and six touchdowns on 79 carries … part of the 4x100 district champion relay team on the track … honor roll student all four years of high school … PERSONAL … son of John and Emma Green … full name is Marquis Lamar Green … born Sept. 1, 1992 … plans to major in Sports Medicine.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Marquis Green
“We were on him for a long time. He was offered at Navy and Temple and we are excited about him. We talked about him as a big play guy. We believe he can be a guy who could take it 80 yards, and we need that type of player at UTC.”
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Synjen Herren – OL - 6-4 – 290 - Fr.-HS - Dalton, Ga. (Northwest Whitfield HS)
Two-time member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … three-year starter at guard for Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, Ga … two-time all-region and two-time all-area selection … same high school as current Mocs Adam Miller and Dustin Tate … played for head coach Mike Falleur … honor roll student … also competed in track & field … PERSONAL … full name is Synjen Thomas Herren … son of Phillip and Rosanna Herren … born Nov. 9, 1992 … first name pronounced SIN-jin … has one older brother, Logan.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Synjen Herren
“He is a big offensive lineman from Northwest Whitefield in Georgia. We had him in camp and we got to know him well. We felt he could be a big time player. He is 6-4, 290…big kid, physical, mean, and has great feet. He loves UTC. Coach Fuller recruited him and built the relationship with him.”
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Shaun Hill – OL – 6-2 – 255 – Fr.-EE – Bethlehem, Ga. (Apalachee HS)
Two-time all-state selection from Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga … first team all-region pick for head coach Shane Davis … led the team to a 12-1 mark as a junior and 6-4 as a senior … three-year starter … selected to play in the Georgia North/South All-Star game … member of the National Honor Society … also competed in track & field for two years … enrolled at UTC in January … PERSONAL … son of Diane and John Crow … born Oct. 9, 1992 … has an older brother, Mark, and two younger sisters, Kayla and Jenna … plans to major in Accounting.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Shaun Hill
“Shawn is going to play center for us and our coaches really like him a lot. He is a great student and has an unbelievable work ethic. He graduated high school early and it already enrolled at UTC, so it will be nice to have him in spring ball.”
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Tommy Hudson – WR - 5-10 – 160 - Fr.-HS - Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County HS)
All-state receiver from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga … set a state receiving record with 102 catches in 2010 … 1,410 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns for head coach Rush Propst … led CCHS to the Georgia 5A state title game as a senior where he had 11 catches for 127 yards … second-team GSWA All-State selection … scholar-athlete, honor graduate and honor roll student … also played basketball and track & field … PERSONAL … son of Rosie Robinson and Tommy Hudson, Sr … born May 25, 1993 … has one older sister, Janay … sister plays softball at Stillman College … plans to major in Biology.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Tommy Hudson
“He was our last commitment. They went to the state title in the largest classification in Georgia and we offered him late. He had 102 catches for his team and that is unheard of in high school. We think he will be an excellent player. He is a class individual and wants to be a Doctor one day.”
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Jacob Huesman – QB - 6-1 – 190 - Fr.-HS - Chattanooga, Tenn. (Baylor School)
Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award winner for Division II-AA … dual-threat quarterback at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn … led the Red Raiders to the DII-AA state championship game … member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … totaled 2,828 yards of total offense, including 1,750 rushing with 25 touchdowns as a senior … TSWA DII All-State … Mr Football finalist as a junior … Baylor went 17-7 in his last two years … National Honor Society and honor roll student … all-state and silver medalist in the long jump as a junior … PERSONAL … full name is Jacob Andrew Huesman … son of Russ and Amy Huesman … born Feb. 27, 1993 … has two younger sisters, Natalie and Emily, and one younger brother, Levi … father is the head coach of the Mocs and played at UTC from 1978-81 … plans to major in Engineering.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Jacob Huesman
“As you all know he is my son. I am proud of him. He got to play in the state title game at the Baylor School and they had a great year. He was a part of that state title experience which I am most proud of. He had some great runs and throws this year. He was Division II Mr. Football in Tennessee and Player of the Year in the City of Chattanooga. He chose to come here because he loves the city and hopefully he loves me. We are excited to have him as a quarterback.”
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Kendrix Huitt – RB - 5-9 – 190 - Fr.-HS - Atlanta, Ga. (Norcross HS)
Three-star recruit according to Rivals.com … ran for 928 yards and five touchdowns for the Blue Devils … played for head coach Keith Maloof … named the team’s offensive player of the year as a senior … won the Appreciation Award and the Silver Helmet Award in 2010 … most valuable sprinter for NHS track team as a junior … PERSONAL … full name is Kendrix Charnez Huitt … son of Kendrix Huitt and Keanette Harris … has three younger sisters, Kenya, Bilaye, and Caylin, and two younger brothers, Kahj and Zuri … undecided on a major.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Kendrix Huitt
"He was a three star guy who had committed to UAB. He reopened his recruiting process and committed on his visit here. I think he can be the guy that 215-pound guy that can run with great vision. He is a great one and we are happy to have him."
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Sema’je Kendall – DB - 5-11 – 175 - Fr.-HS - Huntsville, Ala. (Buckhorn HS)
Two-time Huntsville Times Elite first team selection … two time all-region defensive back at Buckhorn High School in New Market, Ala … played for head coach Michael Jackson … same high school as rising senior Jordan Tippit … team captain … PERSONAL … full name is Semaje O’niel Kendall … son of Neshone and David Kendall ... father played basketball at Columbia from 1992-94 … first name is pronounced suh-MAH-jay … plans to major in Business.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Sema’je Kendall
"We had Sema’je in camp last year and really liked him. His numbers were excellent, so we brought him in to visit in the first weekend of January. He ran unbelievably fast in our camp and he is a monster hitter that can crush you. We needed to sign quality safeties in this class and he was one of our early offers."
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Cam Montgomery – DB – 6-1 – 195 – Fr.-HS – Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com … All-Central Florida defensive back for head coach Kenard Lang … defensive MVP of the East-West Florida All-Star game … averaged seven tackles per game … No. 25 in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60 … second-highest player on the list to sign with an FCS team … led the Tigers to a 9-2 record as a senior for head coach Kenard Lang … teammate of fellow signee Clim Robbins … PERSONAL … son of Karen and Michael Montgomery … born Dec. 11, 1992 … has two brothers, Mike and Nick … plans to major in Marketing.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Cam Montgomery
"He is a tremendous hitter and can run. He is a bigger kid than Sema’je (Kendall), and a little different player than him. To pull him out of Florida is great."
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Ron Moore – WR – 6-0 – 165 – Fr.-HS – Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … two-time all-conference selection at Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla … 37 catches for 702 yards and 10 touchdowns for head coach Mike Cullison … led the team in receiving in each of his last two years … led Seminole to a 36-7 record over the last three years, including the 6A state title in 2008 … No. 51 in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60 … teammate of fellow Mocs signee T.J. Thompson …honor roll student … all-conference member of the track team … PERSONAL … born April 6,1993 … son of Ron, Sr. and Latonya Cleveland … full name is Ronald Demon Moore, Jr … has one younger brother, Ronnie … plans to major in Business … father played defensive tackles at Northwest Oklahoma State and was a 2000 draft pick of the Green Bay Packers.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Ron Moore
"We were really excited about getting Ron. We watched him on film and we felt like we had a shot at him, but Ron was being recruited by other quality schools. He can run, is fluid and has great hands. His dad is a high school coach and played in the NFL. You know you are getting great bloodlines with him."
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Brandon Morgan – OL - 6-2 – 280 - Fr.-HS - Hoover, Ala. (Hoover HS)
Two-time all-state offensive lineman from Hoover High School in Hoover, Ala … led the Buccaneers to the 6A state title as a junior and runners-up in his sophomore and senior seasons … played for head coach Josh Niblett … posted a 41-4 record during his four years … first-team all-state as a junior and honorable mention all-state as a senior … MAC Scholar … PERSONAL … son of Isom and Joneice Morgan … born August 31, 1993 … has two older brothers, Bryan and Isom … father played football at Alabama A&M … plans to major in Atmospheric Science.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Brandon Morgan
"He led his team to the state championship game again this year. We were actually concerned if we were going to get him or not. He had a lot of things going for him as far as the recruiting process. He can come off the ball, power, thick, nasty offensive lineman. He had other offers and took other trips in our league. He came back and said that Chattanooga is the place for me. I think part of it was how he felt about our football program, but also the degree he is looking for is great here."
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Clim Robbins – DB – 5-8 – 160 – Fr.-HS – Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)
Rated a two-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com … first team all-state selection in 2A at Jones High School in Orlando, Fla … two-time first-team All-Orange County selection … led the Tigers to a 9-2 record as a senior for head coach Kenard Lang … 51 tackles and three interceptions in 2010 … No. 33 in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60 … hand-timed 4.32 in the 40-yard dash … also competed for three years on the track team … teammate of fellow signee Cam Montgomery … PERSONAL … son of Clim and Jill Robbins … born Sept. 17, 1992 … undecided on a major.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Clim Robbins
“He played corner and slot receiver and can flat out fly. We are looking for kids that can run. He has great ball skills and at some of the combines he participated in, he posted a 4.3 forty time. He is not afraid of contact and I loved that about him. He really can hit some people and is a quality corner.”
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Sean Stackhouse – TE - 6-4 – 255 - Jr.-TR - Jacksonville, Fla. (Kentucky)
Transfer from Kentucky who will have two years of eligibility remaining … enrolled at UTC in January … played in six games the last two years at Kentucky … redshirted in 2008 … twice named Scout Team Player of the Week … HIGH SCHOOL … four-year starter for Mandarin HS in Jacksonville, Fla ... as a senior, caught 32 passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns ... snagged 33 passes his junior season, good for 333 yards ... two-year member of the all-conference team ... team captain as a junior and senior ... listed as the nation's No. 31 tight end by Scout.com ... selected to play in the Florida North-South All-Star Game but was unable to participate because of an injury ... nominated for the U.S. Army All-America Game ... coached by Luther Price and the late J. D. Hall ... also participated in track and field and played basketball in high school ... put the shot in track and field ... three-year starter in basketball, helping the team to a pair of district championships … PERSONAL … born on June 25, 1989 ... Son of John and Jenni Stackhouse ... majoring in Criminal Justice.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Sean Stackhouse
“He is great worker, has a great attitude and loves it here at UTC. We think he is going to be a player. It was a big hit for us to get a veteran guy at the tight end position.”
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Tevin Stewart-Gaulden – DB - 5-9 – 185 - Fr.-HS - Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald HS)
Two-time all-state defensive back at Fitzgerald High School in Fitzgerald, Ga … First Team GSWA All-State as a senior and second team as a junior … 2010 Region 1-AA Defensive Player of the Year … three-time all-region player for head coach Robby Pruitt … led the Hurricane to a 10-2 record as a senior … FHS went 43-7 during his four years ... played in the … Border Wars Florida vs. Georgia All-Star game … also played basketball and baseball … PERSONAL … son of Michael and Deniese Gaulden … born Sept. 7, 1992 … plans to major in Physical Therapy.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Tevin Stewart-Gaulden
“We got on him a while back. He had so many offers, but it came down to us and Georgia Southern. He really liked it here and his parents came up and liked the atmosphere. Tevin can play corner, safety, wide receiver etc. He has great ball skills and returned punts and kicks for Fitzgerald HS. He will be a Defensive Back for us though.
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T.J. Thompson – DB – 5-9 – 170 – Fr.-HS – Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Four-year letter winner at Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla … Florida Mr. Football 6A Player of the Year finalist as a senior is 2010 … primarily played quarterback for head coach Mike Cullison, but will switch to defensive back … threw for 2,353 yards and 21 touchdowns while running for 559 yards and eight TDs as a senior … earned All-Seminole County honors … led Seminole to a 36-7 record over the last three years, including the 6A state title in 2008 … No. 33 in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60 … teammate of fellow Mocs signee Ron Moore … PERSONAL … son of Deron and Yealishea Thompson … born Feb. 23, 1993 … full name is Deron Christopher Thompson … has a younger brother, Chris, and a younger sister Ayanna … plans to major in Business.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on T.J. Thompson
“He played quarterback his senior season, but was a cornerback before that. I love guys that have their hands on the ball like he did in his senior year. He is quick and athletic and we want him to play corner. We are excited about his future. The best guys I have ever recruited were guys like T.J. Thompson.”
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Taharin Tyson – FB - 5-11 – 225 - Fr.-HS - Alcoa, Tenn. (Alcoa HS)
Rated a two-star prospect by ESPN.com … three-time all-state player at Alcoa High School in Alcoa, Tenn … put up 1,013 yards and 15 touchdowns for head coach Gary Rankin … led the Tornadoes to the TSSAA 3A state championship … Alcoa has won seven consecutive state titles … posted a 58-2 record during his four-year career … three-time Knoxville Knoxville News Sentinel PrepXtra selection … ran for over 3,000 in his prep career … also played basketball and track … state finalist in the shot put … honor roll student … PERSONAL … son of Arthur and Teresa Tyson … has two younger sisters, Brealyn and Kyrin … born Feb. 22, 1993 … plans to major in Sports Medicine.
Head Coach Russ Huesman on Taharin Tyson
“When you go out and recruit a football player you look for all the things that Taharin possesses. He is a Great student and academics are important to him. He won a state title all four years at Alcoa. We thought he would be a great fullback for us. We offered him and hung onto him. He can block and he has great ball-skills. He ran for 1,000 yards as well.”