2015 UTC Football Recruiting Class Announced

  • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
McCallie all-state running back Alex Trotter (in front) has signed a letter of intent to attend UTC and play for the Mocs in the fall. He was the city rushing and scoring leader this past fall.
McCallie all-state running back Alex Trotter (in front) has signed a letter of intent to attend UTC and play for the Mocs in the fall. He was the city rushing and scoring leader this past fall.
photo by Dennis Norwood

"Getting McCallie School's Alex Trotter is huge for us ... to keep a player like Alex to stay home (and play college ball here)  is really, really big ... There is no queston in anyone's mind he can be an excellent (college) football player."

-- UTC head football coach Russ Huesman

 

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team wrapped up another outstanding recruiting class with 16 new faces joining the two-time defending Southern Conference Champions.

UTC head coach Russ Huesman kept it even with seven on offense, seven on defense and two athletes that can play on either side of the ball.

"We feel really good about this class," stated Huesman, who led the Mocs to a school-record 10-4 season in 2014, while earning his third SoCon Coach of the Year honor. "I think we met a lot of needs. Where we needed to sign kids this year, we feel really good about them. Obviously, our recruiting area, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, we hit those areas and hit them strong.

UTC picked up eight commitments from Tennessee, five from Alabama and three from Georgia. It is the most commitments Chattanooga has received from Alabama in the Huesman era (since 2009).

This is Huesman’s seventh recruiting class since taking over at his alma mater in December of 2008. It includes three transfers, which is the most for a signing class in his tenure. For the second year in a row, 10 of the incoming freshmen had other FBS offers before choosing the Mocs. Also, for a second year in a row, a program-best 10 incoming student-athletes bring academic honors along with their impressive athletic credentials.

The transfers include junior receiver Drae Bowles from Tennessee, and a pair from UAB in junior tight end Steve Pickren and freshman offensive lineman Hunter Kennedy. All three are eligible to play immediately and are already enrolled at UTC.

"Obviously, the three transfers we feel really good about," said Huesman. "They are already in school and working very hard. We like what we see, and they will all be great additions for us next year."

Of the 16 signees, 11 earned all-state honors in their prep careers. That is second only to the 12 all-state performers the Mocs brought in last season. There are five who garnered a two-star ranking from various recruiting services, including Michael Bean (LB – Canton, Ga.), Ke’Von Hall (ATH – Memphis, Tenn.), Kyle Nalls (RB – Fayette, Ala.), Alex Trotter (RB – Chattanooga, Tenn.) and D.J. Williams (DB – Smyrna, Tenn.).

Others will all-state credentials include Taylor Helton (OL – Kingsport, Tenn.), La’Vonte Larry (DB - Jessup, Ga.), K.J. Roper (DB – Knoxville, Tenn.), Jacquez Tyson (ATH – Alcoa, Tenn.) and Malcolm White (OL – Johnson City, Tenn.).

The class is rounded out by three other impact freshmen on the defensive side of the ball, including Khayyan Edwards (DL – Macon, Ga.), Telvin Jones (DL – Irvington, Ala.) and Adrian King (DB – Montgomery, Ala.).

"We had another good year in the state of Alabama and a really good year in the state of Tennessee." said Huesman. "It is always nice to recruit guys in-state, in your backyard, and we feel good about how we did this year."

Be sure to check out full bios, video highlights and comments from Coach Huesman in the chart below. Fans are encouraged to attend tonight’s Signing Day Celebration presented by Zaxby’s at the Stadium Club in Finley Stadium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) with the program beginning at 5:45 p.m.

2015 Chattanooga Mocs Football Recruiting Class

NAME POS HT. WT. HOMETOWN (LAST SCHOOL)

Michael Bean LB 6-1 220 Canton, Ga. (Cherokee HS)

*Drae Bowles (Jr.) WR 6-0 206 Jackson, Tenn. (Tennessee)

Khayyan Edwards DL 6-3 220 Macon, Ga. (Westside HS)

Ke’Von Hall ATH 5-9 170 Memphis, Tenn. (Melrose HS)

Taylor Helton OL 6-5 285 Kingsport, Tenn. (Dobyns-Bennett HS)

Telvin Jones DL 6-3 280 Irvington, Ala. (Alma Bryant HS)

*Hunter Kennedy (Fr.) OL 6-4 285 Troy, Ala. (UAB)

Adrian King DB 5-10 190 Montgomery, Ala. (Lee HS)

Le’Vonte Larry DB 5-9 175 Jessup, Ga. (Wayne County HS)

Kyle Nalls RB 6-1 200 Fayette, Ala. (Fayette County HS)

*Steve Pickren (Jr.) TE 6-5 260 Pell City, Ala. (UAB)

K.J. Roper DB 6-2 190 Knoxville, Tenn. (Fulton HS)

Alex Trotter RB 5-9 175 Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie)

Jaquez Tyson ATH 5-10 210 Alcoa, Tenn. (Alcoa HS)

Malcolm White OL 6-6 280 Johnson City, Tenn. (Science Hill HS)

D.J. Williams DB 5-10 170 Smyrna, Tenn. (Smyrna HS)

*Already enrolled at UTC.

Quick Notes on Chattanooga’s 2015 Recruiting Class

- From Alabama (5) - Jones, Kennedy, King, Nalls, Pickren.

- From Georgia (3) - Bean, Edwards, Larry.

- From Tennessee (8) - Bowles, Hall, Helton, Roper, Trotter, Tyson, White, Williams.

- Offensive Players (7) – Bowles, Helton, Kennedy, Nalls, Pickren, Trotter, White.

- Defensive Players (7) – Bean, Edwards, Jones, King, Larry, Roper, Williams.

- Athlete (Off./Def.) (2) – Hall, Tyson.

- Four-star recruit (1) – Bowles (2011).

- Two-star recruit (5) – Bean, Hall, Nalls, Trotter, Williams.

- With Academic Honors (10) – Bean, Edwards, Helton, Larry, Kennedy, King, Roper, Trotter, Tyson, White.

- All-State (11) – Bowles (2011), Helton, Larry, Kennedy (2013), Pickren (2011), Nalls, Roper, Trotter, Tyson, White, Williams.

- Had Other FBS Offers (10) – Bean, Edwards, Helton, King, Larry, Nalls, Roper, Trotter, White, Williams.

- FBS Transfers (3) – Bowles, Kennedy, Pickren.

Looking for season tickets? Click here to reserve your new season tickets for the 2015 campaign. Renewals for 2014 season ticket holders will be mailed out on March 1.

Michael Bean – LB - 6-1 – 220 - Canton, Ga. (Cherokee HS)

Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state and three-time all-county at Cherokee High School in Canton, Ga. … played for head coach Josh Shaw … school-record 140 tackles as a senior … team defensive MVP as a senior … two-time linebacker of the year … broke Cherokee’s career record with 370 tackles … also participated in track & field, wrestling and baseball … Honor Roll Student … PERSONAL … full name is Michael Tyler Bean … son of Yvette and Bertin Bean … has one brother, Jon, and one sister, Amber … Born Dec. 29, 1996 … plans to major in Business.

Coach Huesman on Michael Bean:

"He was one of our early commits. He committed during the season. Love him. We had him in camp. He is just a tough, hard-nosed football player. We think he is going to be really good at one of our inside linebacker positions. We are extremely excited to have him."

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Drae Bowles (Jr.) – WR - 6-0 – 206 - Jackson, Tenn. (Tennessee)

Played two seasons at Tennessee before transferring for the 2015 spring semester … saw action in two games in 2014 … played in 11 games as a freshman in 2013 … redshirt in 2012 … HIGH SCHOOL … 247sports: 4-star (No. 212 prospect nationally, No. 25 overall wide receiver, No. 4 prospect in Tennessee) … ESPN: 4-star (No. 16 overall wide receiver, No. 2 prospect in Tennessee, No. 47 prospect in Southeast) … Rivals: 4-star (No. 130 prospect nationally, No. 19 overall wide receiver, No. 3 prospect in Tennessee) … Scout: 3-star (No. 48 overall wide receiver) … two-time All-State selection at Jackson Christian … compiled career figures of 171 catches for 2,569 yards and 23 touchdowns … as a senior, recorded 31 receptions for 519 yards and five TDs … also played linebacker, registering 31 tackles … played in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … named to the 2011 Super Southeast 120 by the Mobile (Ala.) Register … selected to the ESPNU150 … also played basketball … coached by Matt Underwood … PERSONAL … full Name is Drae Alexander Bowles … born May 31, 1993 … son of Sherry and Dexter Bowles … majoring in Communications.

Coach Huesman on Drae Bowles:

"Drae was a guy we knew about in high school. We tried to recruit him, but obviously, he was a big-time recruit coming out, and he chose Tennessee. He has fit in with this football team tremendously. I think the players really like him. I think he liked our football team. He will help us next year, big-time."

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Khayyan Edwards – DE - 6-3 – 220 - Macon, Ga. (Westside HS)

Four-year letter winner as a defensive end at Westside High School in Macon, Ga. … played for head coach Shedrick Risper … posted 13 sacks to go with 43 total tackles as a senior … also had two safeties … had 36 tackles and six sacks as a junior … led the Seminoles to a 17-5 record last two seasons, including 9-2 in 2014 … Honor Roll student … also a member of the 4H Club and the ROTC … PERSONAL … son of Brent and Lonsvela Edwards … plans to major in Marketing.

Coach Huesman on Khayyan Edwards:

"He is a very dynamic player. We watched him on film and knew right away he was a guy who could fit in to our defense. He is the type of player we feel like we need to have. We have been very blessed with defensive ends and defensive linemen that are very dynamic players. He is a guy that is extremely, extremely athletic and can run. He plays hard. I think he is going to be another in the long line of great defensive ends that we have signed here."

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Ke’Von Hall - ATH - 5-9 - 170 - Memphis, Tenn. (Melrose HS)

Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state performer at Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn. … played for head coach Eddie Woods … helped the Wildcats to a 16-7 record last two seasons … PERSONAL … full name is Ke’Von Raynard Hall … son of Tamika Hall … has two brothers, Kwan and Courdavio … born on Jan. 15, 1997 … plans to major in Recreation Management.

Coach Huesman on Ke’von Hall:

"Ke’Von is an athlete. We watched Ke’Von and every position coach on our team loved him. Whether it was wideout, DB, running back, he played multiple positions and did a lot of things. I think he can be a great slot receiver for us. We need to find ways to give him the ball in a lot different ways. He is just a tremendous athlete with great speed. What we really liked about him was what he can do for us in the return."

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Taylor Helton – OL - 6-5 – 285 - Kingsport, Tenn. (Dobyns-Bennett HS)

All-state offensive lineman from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tenn. … played for head coach Graham Clark … participated in the East-West All-Star game following his senior season … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Taylor Cole Helton … son of Bill and Tena Helton … born Dec. 23, 1996.

Coach Huesman on Taylor Helton:

"(We) have been recruiting him for a long, long time. He had been to multiple games. We offered him during the season and he committed to us during the season. He is a very, very athletic lineman. He’s got some height to him. We feel really good about his future here. He can really help us to continue to be good up front. (We) really liked him on film and the more we were around him, the more we liked him."

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Telvin Jones – DL - 6-3 – 280 - Irvington, Ala. (Alma Bryant HS)

All-county defensive lineman from Alma Bryant High School in Irvington, Ala. … played for head coach Bruce Breland … also lettered in basketball and track … PERSONAL … full name is Telvin Thomas Jones … son of Cathethia Abrams and Reginald Jones … born June 14, 1996 … has a brother, Reggie, and two sisters, Renica and Gabby … undecided on a major.

Coach Huesman on Telvin Jones:

"We brought him in the middle of January and we really liked him on film. He is a guy who can run for his size. He does the things that we need to do as a defensive tackle. He can play the three technique or a shade. He is athletic enough to play a lot of different spots up front. He is just a great addition to what we are trying to do defensively."

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Hunter Kennedy (Fr.) – OL - 6-3 – 285 - Troy Ala. (Henderson HS)

Redshirted his first season at UAB in 2014 ... HIGH SCHOOL … all-state offensive lineman at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Ala. … led the Trojans to a 14-1 record as a senior and a runner-up finish in the 5A playoffs … played for coaches Mike Dean and Hugh Fountain … National Honor Society … top-5 in his graduating class … PERSONAL … full name is Hunter Thomas Kennedy … son of Lise Fayson and Craig Kennedy … has one sister, Melissa … born June 27, 1995 … mother played basketball at the University of Winnipeg (1987-89) … father coached basketball at Auburn, Troy and Georgia Southern … plans to major in Biology.

Coach Huesman on Hunter Kennedy:

"He was a true freshman at UAB this fall, so really he is a true freshman going into his second semester. Hunter has fit in great with our program. He is a guy we knew about coming out of high school. Athletic, big guy. I think he has adjusted really, really well. He will be a redshirt freshman and I think he can compete for a starting job or a lot of playing time as a redshirt freshman next year."

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Adrian King – DB - 5-10 – 190 - Montgomery, Ala. (Lee HS)

All-metro defensive back at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Ala … played for head coach Tyrone Rogers … nominated for the WSFA Player of the Year Award … two-time team MVP … made the A-B Honor Roll as a sophomore … also ran track and played baseball and basketball as a freshman … PERSONAL … Full name is Adrian Demond King … born Feb. 10, 1997 … son of Teresa King … has one sister, Tamara … plans to major in Sports Medicine.

Coach Huesman on Adrian King:

"As a defensive staff, we watched him and felt like there was no question that he could play here. He did a lot of different things in high school, as far as carrying the football and in the return game. We think he can be a corner for us. He’s got great speed, unbelievable knee-bend, athletic ability. All of the things that we are looking for in a cover-corner type of guy."

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Le’Vonte Larry – DB - 5-9 – 175 - Jessup, Ga. (Wayne County HS)

All-state and three-time all-region defensive back at Wayne County High School in Jesup, Ga. … four-year letter winner for head coach Jody Grooms … big numbers as a senior that included 67 tackles, five INTs, three forced fumbles and seven blocked FGs … also returned two kickoffs and a punt for TDs … also lettered in track & field and baseball, earning all-region honors in both sports … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … born July 7, 1997 … son of Lawrence and Diane Larry … has one sister, Lakeshia, and two brothers, Lawrence and Lorenzo … plans to major in Criminal Justice … brother, Lorenzo, played football at Pikeville (Ky.).

Coach Huesman on Le’Vonte Larry:

"He is from down in south Georgia. Le’Vonte is a guy we targeted early in the process. I thought he would be a hard get, and he had a lot of people on him. He is a corner/dime for us. He is a little bit more physical guy and he has some weight to him. John Creager (UTC Athletics Hall of Famer) is one of the assistant coaches down there, so we had some ins on him. I think he is going to be a special player."

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Kyle Nalls – RB - 6-1 – 195 - Fayette, Ala. (Fayette County HS)

Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state running back at Fayette County High School in Fayette, Ala. … finalist for the AWSA Back of the Year … Tuscaloosa News’ Most Valuable Player on the Super 11 team … rushed for 2,284 yards and 30 touchdowns in leading Fayette County to the quarterfinals … four-year letter winner … 65 career rushing TDs … also lettered in basketball … PERSONAL … son of Jerry and Valorie Nalls … has one sister, Jerica … born Jan. 16, 1997.

Coach Huesman on Kyle Nalls:

"We had Kyle in the last weekend and he was just a great person and an extremely talented running back. In this recruiting process we were looking to sign two. We got that done. We wanted to get a big guy … and have that nice one-two punch. We wanted somebody who could take Keon’s (Williams) place. Kyle was heavily recruited and he is a good one for us to get."

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Steve Pickren (Jr.) – TE - 6-5 – 260 - Pell City, Ala. (Pell City HS)

Tight-end transfer from UAB … played in six games for the Blazers in 2014 … saw action in nine games in 2013 with two starts … redshirted in 2012 … saw action on both sides of the ball at UAB ... HIGH SCHOOL … attended Pell City High School ... played under head coach David Shores at Pell City for three years ... named honorable mention all-state for his play at defensive line by Andrew Bone of Scout.com ... tallied 87 total tackles, 11 sacks and 27 tackles for a loss during his senior campaign ... ran a 4.7 40-yard dash time as a prep ... also played baseball as a pitcher for Pell City … PERSONAL … born Jan. 14, 1994, at McAllen, Texas ... son of Dianne and Don Pickren ... major is undecided.

Coach Huesman on Steve Pickren:

"This was a really big get for us after losing (All-American TE) Faysal Shafaat. Steve is a big, physical guy. He can set the edge for us and be a tremendous run-blocker. We haven’t had a chance to see him run and catch, but what we have heard is that he will be a good pas catcher for us. That was a big need for us. To get a transfer who is physically ready to do what we need him to do was very important."

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K.J. Roper – DB - 6-2 – 190 - Knoxville, Tenn. (Fulton HS)

All-state defensive back from three-time defending 4A state champion Fulton County High School in Knoxville, Tenn. … two-time All-Knoxville Independent League honoree … played for head coach Rob Black … 30-0 last two seasons … 43-2 last three years … caught 30 passes for 589 yards and 13 TDs as a senior … 24 tackles, six PBUs and four INTS … also lettered in track & field and basketball … led the Falcons to the state basketball tournament as a sophomore … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Khalil Ja’Lon Roper … son of Kelly Harper-Fugate and Ivan Roper … has one brother, Ivan, and one sister Jaina … plans to major in Physical Therapy.

Coach Huesman on K.J. Roper:

"We had K.J. in camp and loved him. He did so many different things, from wide receiver to DB, we are so impressed with him. We offered him early and knew he could be an athletic guy and come in and help us, whether it is wide receiver or DB. We are planning on playing him at safety. Big body guy who is very athletic with great ball skills. He was recruited heavily and hung in there with us."

Alex Trotter – RB - 5-9 – 175 - Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie)

Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state running back at Chattanooga’s McCallie School … led Chattanooga area in rushing yards and scoring this past fall and set a city single game rushing record (374 yards) in September against Pope John Paul ... played for head coach and former Moc Ralph Potter … led McCallie to a 19-6 record over the last two seasons, including a 10-3 mark in 2014 … finalist for the Division II-AA Mr. Football Award … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Anthony Eugene Trotter … son of Tarmela Favors … has one brother, Edward … born Jan. 8, 1997 … plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Coach Huesman on Alex Trotter:

"Alex was one we identified early in the process being in our back yard. What an unbelievable high school career and year he had. He is a very dynamic guy with tremendous speed. There are so many things we can do with him. He can take the ball out of the backfield and he is a great pass catcher. For us to get a local guy of his caliber says a lot about UTC. Alex is going to be a great player for us and we are thrilled to have him."

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Jaquez Tyson – ATH - 5-10 – 210 - Alcoa, Tenn. (Alcoa HS)

All-state running back at Alcoa High School in Alcoa, Tenn. … played for head coach Gary Rankin … team went 27-3 last two seasons … won the 3A state title as a junior … District MVP and played in the East-West All-Star game following his senior season … three TDs, 278 yards and a record 49 carries in the state title game as a junior … also lettered in wrestling and baseball … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Jacquez Desean Tyson … son of Bobby & Kimberly Chisolm … born Jan. 19, 1996 … has two sisters, Angelique and Nianja, and one brother, Solomon … cousin of former Moc Taharin Tyson (2011-14) … plans to major in Business Management.

Coach Huesman on Jaquez Tyson:

"I think everybody knows his cousin Taharin, who had a great four-year career for us. He comes from a tremendous family. He is a winner and comes from a winning program. You can never have enough of those guys in the program. Jaquez will be a fullback, H-back guy for us and can do a lot of things. We need him to bring his winning attitude and edge. It is nice to get guys who are used to winning in your program."

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Malcolm White – OL - 6-6 – 280 - Johnson City, Tenn. (Science Hill HS)

All-state offensive lineman at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn. … helped the Hill Toppers to an 11-2 record as a senior … 29-7 over the last three years … played for head coach Stacey Carter … Big 7 Conference Lineman of the Year in 2014 … played in the East-West All-Star game … also lettered in basketball … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Jeffrey Malcolm White … son of Susan Patton and Jeff White … born Dec. 2, 1996.

Coach Huesman on Malcolm White:

"Malcolm is a great get for us. He is extremely athletic, tall and a big frame. The sky is the limit for him. He could be an All-American someday. He’s got to get strong and do the work in the weight room, but he is a great get. Will Healy did an unbelievable job recruiting him. He had a lot of people coming after him and multiple scholarship offers. I think he can be a phenomenal college football player."

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D.J. Williams – DB - 5-10 – 170 - Smyrna, Tenn. (Smyrna HS)

Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state honors as a senior at Smyrna High School in Smyrna, Tenn. … played for head coach Matt Williams … three-time all-district … Team MVP as a senior … Defensive MVP as a junior … 16 career INTs … also lettered in basketball and track … Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … Full name is Dorian James Williams … born June 3, 1997 … son of Razani Jones and Dorian Williams … has four brothers, Dallas, Dillon, Deylon and Dev, and two sisters, Kaela and Shaquitta … father played football at Jackson State … plans to major in Sports Management.

Coach Huesman on D.J. Williams:

"He was a guy we identified early. We liked him and evaluated him. We play so many DBs in our scheme that you can’t have enough. D.J. was a guy that had multiple FCS and FBS offers. Chris Malone did a great job recruiting him. I think he has a lot of ability as far as change of direction, tremendous feet, can run. He has all of the things we are looking for in a DB prospect and we are excited to have him."

Coach Russ Huesman gestures while speaking to the media at a press conference announcing the Mocs' signing class.
Coach Russ Huesman gestures while speaking to the media at a press conference announcing the Mocs' signing class.
photo by Dennis Norwood
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